Senate to Vote on Teacher Contract Bargaining Bill

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Legislation giving Idaho school boards the authority to impose final offers in teacher contract talks is headed to the Senate floor for one last vote. The bill sought by the Idaho School Board Association has already passed the House. It gives school board trustees power to end contract bargaining by June 10 if talks with teachers stall.

The Senate Education Committee approved the measure Wednesday amid opposition from the Idaho Education Association teachers union. The IEA argues the bill limits collective bargaining rights and creates a short timeframe for negotiations during a busy period of the school year. Meridian Superintendent Linda Clark said the deadline gives districts more flexibility to manage their budgets. The proposal comes with a one-year sunset to allow stakeholders to study its effectiveness.