[Vision2020] Luna Cautions Teachers About Political Activities

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.

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Luna cautions teachers about political activities

BOISE - Teachers are being warned they could lose their certification if
they participate in efforts to recall Idaho Superintendent of Public
Instruction Tom Luna, repeal his new education reforms or engage in other
political activities on school grounds.

In a memo Friday, Luna said his office had received numerous inquiries and
reports of teachers using their school email to coordinate political
activities: proselytizing to students in the classroom and using pupils as
couriers for political materials.

In a note to school superintendents and charter school administrators,
Luna cautioned that these types of political activities were ethical
violations punishable by a letter of reprimand, or suspension or
revocation of a teacher's certification. He also warned that educators who
are aware of such political activities and fail to report them face
similar consequences.

"Those whose certificates are suspended or revoked can no longer be
employed by an Idaho public school," said Luna, who has been targeted in
recent months by education activists who are seeking his ouster over a
package of new education reforms.

The sweeping changes phase out tenure for teachers, limit collective
bargaining and shifts money from salaries for technology upgrades in the
classrooms such as laptops for high school teachers and students. The
three-part plan was signed into law earlier this year and has landed in
the crosshairs of a referendum campaign.

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

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

 - Unknown