Federal Budget Cuts Not Expected to Hit Idaho Schools Just Yet

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's public schools leader doesn't believe automatic federal budget cuts will have much of an immediate impact on Idaho. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said Monday his office has been monitoring what he terms "escalating rhetoric."

According to the White House, Idaho this year stands to lose $6.6 million in funds for primary and secondary education, and to help teach children with disabilities. But Luna says most of the state's 115 school districts are still drawing money budgeted for 2012 and haven't yet tapped fiscal year 2013 cash. That means immediate impacts will likely be minimal, Luna predicts.

President Obama said Monday he's still trying to round up Republican leaders who will work with his administration to end $85 million in budget reductions that went into effect Friday.