BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A Senate committee has killed legislation that would have added strings to dollars originally directed toward teacher salaries. The proposal passed the House, but fell far short of the majority needed Tuesday make it through the Senate Education Committee.

Defeat of the bill — which directed $12 million in salary funding to districts to restore their teaching staff levels and offset contracts for teachers facing furlough days — means teachers will see higher paychecks next year. Idaho Education Association Executive Director Robin Nettinga complained the bill removes local decision making power and money to compensate teachers who have taken salary cuts in the last few years.

Coeur d'Alene Republican Sen. Bob Nonini said lawmakers should focus on outcomes and improving student performance, not sending down orders to local school districts.

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