The good news is that we are focused like never before on Idaho history improving our K–12 school system statewide. We are implementing a five-year plan for improvements that run the gamut from better, more performance-driven pay for educators and more preparation time and professional development opportunities for teachers to more local accountability, more and better use of classroom technology, and enhanced post-secondary counseling for students and parents.
It's all aimed at achieving the 20 consensus recommendations from a respected, broad-based Idaho task force on improving our public schools. But we don't stop there. We are just as focused on making sustainable and meaningful investment in the quality workforce we want and need in order for Idaho to keep on growing and topping those national rankings.
With the help of Idaho business professionals, the support of our legislators who understand what's at stake and for the benefit of the communities and state that we love, I know we will achieve our goals for building a stronger, smarter, more competitive Idaho for generations to come.