Will Luna's campaign contributors benefit from reform plan?
So, KBOI-TV looked into the contributions made to Tom Luna's election campaign, and how they tie into the proposed reform.
A large portion of Luna's reform plan would institute more "online" learning with high school students being required to take some classes online and putting more online education technology into every classroom.
Close to $20,000 was donated to Luna's campaign by out of state education companies that could benefit from this part of the reform. Some taxpayers are concerned.
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"I think it's wrong - it appears the technology companies that have a lot of financial gain are backing this proposal without the best interests of students in mind," said Alex Church, a Boise teacher.
"While there may be a general trend toward online classes for higher education it's not a substitute in lower education," said Eric Schulman, a Boise resident.
"We're giving up 700-800 teaching jobs in Idaho and outsourcing from the state," said Dave Hites, a Lewiston teacher.
How could these companies benefit? They all provide "online" education for grades kindergarten through 12th grade.
K-12, or K-12 Management Incorporated, is based out of Virginia. It's the country's largest provider of online classes for public school age students. In fact, it's already set up shop in Idaho, under the name of Idaho Virtual Academy. Its contribution has been close to $5,000.
Then there's the Education Networks of America of Nashville with a goal "to implement technology in the classroom." Their contribution was $5,500.
Apangea is out of Pittsburgh. The company describes its mission as "differentiated instruction through live online certified teachers." Their contribution was $4,000.
Plus, there are others that, again, make up a total close to $20,000 in contributions.
"I think if he would have talked about this technology component in the election it would be a different conversation we'd be having now," Schulman said.
Luna addressed the concerns with KBOI-TV earlier this week.
"There are rumors that are being perpetuated that somehow people who contributed to my campaign are now going to receive some kind of special treatment or influence or access to statewide contracts - that's just not the case," Luna said.
When asked if these companies would be part of a statewide purchasing plan, he also denied the claims.
"At the state level we will make sure every one of those courses are taught by Idaho certified teachers and that everyone of those courses are aligned to Idaho's high academic standards," Luna said. "Other than that, the local districts will decide what providers they want to use."
But even the bill itself, it says state funds will be allocated for online classes and credits. So will these contributors benefit if the reform plan goes through?
Time will tell.
A couple of the online education companies that helped out Tom Luna's election campaign, also helped Gov. Otter. They contributed about $13,000 to his campaign.
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Stay tuned to KBOI-TV news for continuing coverage of Luna's plan. On Thursday, reporter Jen Wahl will look in-depth at how the plan would affect Idaho's students. And on Friday, KBOI-TV will have Tom Luna in our studio from 4-4:30 p.m.
If you have questions you'd like us to ask Tom Luna, email us at news@kboi2.com
