Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna trimmed his request for pay hikes for Idaho's public school teachers, but still wants to boost salaries.
Luna spoke to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee Thursday.
Last year, his original proposal included $42 million for boosting teacher pay in fiscal year 2015.
After Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter this month recommended no additional state funding to boost salaries, however, Luna now hopes his latest plan is a compromise with lawmaker appeal.
It foresees $23 million going to lifting teacher pay.
Another $4 million would go to administrative and classified staff, who'd get a 2 percent raise.
Now, budget writers must strike a balance between resources Otter says Idaho has — and what Luna said is necessary — in crafting a schools spending plan starting in July.