Teacher Contract Bill Moves To Idaho House

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A disputed measure pushed by the Idaho School Board Association that gives school districts more leverage in contract talks with teachers has passed a House panel. The bill advanced on a party-line, Republican-led vote by the House Education Committee Friday gives school boards power to end contract negotiations by June 10 if talks with their local teachers union stall.

Debate on the proposal became spirited, with school boards arguing they need deadlines to set their annual budgets. The Idaho Education Association teachers union says the measure inappropriately undermines teachers' collective bargaining abilities. The proposal would be limited to just a year, a concession aimed at giving stakeholders an opportunity to study its success. Eagle Republican Rep. Reed DeMordaunt said he's forming a legislative task force to carry out that evaluation.