[Vision2020] The Strange Life, Times of Tom Luna

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of today's (February 11, 2011) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with
thanks to Rep. Tom Trail.

---------------------------------------------------------

HIS VIEW: The strange life, times of Tom Luna
By Tom Trail
February 11, 2011

Since Tom Luna won election as superintendent of public instruction in
2006, he has championed the fact that Idaho students were making very good
progress academically despite the state ranking 49th in the nation in per
capita expenditure for students. In fact Idaho students were above their
peers in terms of science scores, reading and math.

Luna claimed that much of this was due to his leadership, the inclusion of
all stakeholders in the decision-making process and several new
initiatives. This was certainly evidenced by the Math Initiative, Teacher
Evaluation Program and some pioneering online education approaches. These
initiatives were supported by the Legislature. He noted Idaho had many
outstanding teachers although the vast majority had not had any pay
increase for three years.

As one constituent wrote me, "While running for office this past fall Mr.
Luna praised education in Idaho noting student test scores in science were
well above the national average, and he noted that under his leadership
the educational system was moving ahead."

In early January, Luna unveiled his revolutionary education reform plan.
He issued a cry that the Idaho K-12 system was in shambles and only
desperate measures could save the situation.

Luna's new plan would increase class size (resulting in more than 700
teachers losing their jobs), require high school students to take two
online classes per year to graduate, provide every ninth-grader with a
laptop, a pay-for-performance plan for teachers, eliminating tenure for
teachers and several other changes.

Luna touted himself as an inclusionary leader during his 2006 campaign. He
stressed during the campaign, and during his first four years in office,
that as head of the Idaho K-12 system he would involve all of the major
stakeholders in key educational policy decisions.

When we look at his performance in meeting the inclusionary standard in
the development of his new plan, we are sadly disappointed. Major
stakeholders, including the Idaho Education Associaton (teachers), PTA,
State School Boards Association, Idaho Association of School
Administrators and Idaho universities and colleges were not involved.

Russ Westerberg, president of the State Board of Education, was asked if
the board had any input into the process. The answer was no. It seems odd
that Luna, as a member of the board, didn't even casually mention the plan
to any board members. This should raise all sorts of red flags because the
state board oversees K-12 education in the state.

I asked UI President Duane Nellis if he or any of his faculty has been
consulted. The answer was no.

Some of the components Luna overlooked are: lack of a pilot program that
demonstrates tangible success; lack of widespread involvement of all the
stakeholders; lack of multiple solutions to test and evaluate; and using
approaches that have failed for other school systems.

During this past week I received three calls from suppliers of laptop
computers, software and curriculum supplies urging me to support the new
plan. I also noted that a number of the Albertson Foundation Board members
came out in support of Luna. A local reporter noted these individuals all
had ties to the private educational company K12 based in Virginia. If the
plan is approved, then millions of dollars will flow from the Idaho
taxpayer to out-of-state educational companies.

Out of concern, I checked Luna's list of campaign contributions. A
substantial number of donations came from the out-of-state private
educational companies.

Joe Kren, Potlatch School District superintendent, reported, "It is public
knowledge that K12 inc. provided at least $25,000 to Luna's 2010
campaign."

Tom Trail, R-Moscow, is a member of the Idaho House of Representatives.

---------------------------------------------------------

Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
and the Realist adjusts his sails."

- Unknown