Neal Larson and Julie Mason interview Paul Haacke, a trustee for School District 91. They discuss the breakdown in contract negotiations with the Idaho Falls Education Association (IFEA). He expresses his frustration that after 42 hours of federal mediation, they still have not reached an agreement for the upcoming school year. Haacke points out that while the district would love to meet all of the teachers’ union’s demands—such as smaller class sizes and higher pay—the district has a finite budget and cannot create new revenue. He highlights that the district has already offered a significant pay increase and provides the best insurance plan in this part of the state.
A major point of contention appears to be the union’s desire for a dedicated speaking slot at school board meetings, a privilege Haacke had previously opposed. He reveals his confusion over the union membership rejecting a contract proposal that their own leadership had brought to the district, a proposal the district had accepted. Haacke also touches on his personal support for House Bill 93, viewing it as a form of capitalism that fosters healthy competition among educational institutions, ultimately benefiting students by forcing public schools to innovate and improve. He believes this competition led to the creation of successful programs like CTEC. Despite the ongoing negotiations, he assures parents that school will start on time under last year’s contract.
