Check out the latest news on the IEA and public education in Idaho in the Spring 2014 edition of the IEA Reporter. A recap of the recent Delegate Assembly and a roundup of the 2014 legislative session share the front page, with other stories including our member spotlight on Milken Award winner Katie Graupman, a look at school levies, ESP Corner and the leadership letter from Penni Cyr and Robin Nettinga.

1. Progress, Patience and Collaboration
Those were the key
buzzwords from the
2014 legislative session
when it comes to
evaluating the decisions
of elected officials
pertaining to education
funding and policy. After
several years of drastic
cuts to the public
education budget, Idaho legislators took steps toward restoring
both operational funds and teacher salaries. They also addressed
several other education-related issues and continued to voice
support for the recommendations made by
the Governor’s Task Force on Improving
Education last summer.
The Idaho Education Association was
at the forefront of the education policy
discussion during the session, frequently
working in collaboration with the Idaho
School Boards Association and the Idaho
Association of School Administrators to
achieve positive results.
While paying homage to its rich history of advocacy and
accomplishment on behalf of professional educators, the Idaho
Education Association emphasized its vision for a bright future
at the 2014 Delegate Assembly. The Boise Centre played host
to 375 delegates from 52 local associations as the Annual
Meeting celebrated a theme of Reaching for the Stars.
The event got off to
an auspicious start
as IEA President
Penni Cyr unveiled
a unique piece of
graphic art created
by iconic Idaho artist
Ward Hooper. The
image symbolizes
the IEA’s optimism
for the future of the
organization and
its commitment to
leading the education
profession for years
to come.
REACHING for the STARS
at IEA’s 122nd Annual Meeting
REPORTERSpring 2014 / Issue 3 Idaho Education Association
Legislature Moves Forward
on PUBLIC EDUCATION
Ward Hooper’s Reaching for the Stars was
unveiled at the 122nd Annual Meeting in Boise
IEA Director of Public Policy Matt Compton
testifies on the IEA’s bill to protect school
bus drivers from liability (page 4).
IEA President Penni Cyr handed out awards at Delegate Assembly to
Annette Haag, Bobbie Steffensen, Sonia Galaviz and Jason Vlcek
IEA Executive Director Robin Nettinga and IEA President Penni Cyr (right)
visit with legislators inside the Capitol
1 Legislative Roundup
Delegate Assembly Re-Cap
2 Leadership Letter
3 Delegate Assembly (continued)
4 Legislative Roundup (continued)
5 Member Spotlight
5 IEA People
6 Levy Success Stories
8 IEA/Ward Hooper Artwork – Order Info
IN THIS ISSUE
See more photos of IEA events at
idahoea.org/iea-reporter.
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP continued on page 4
DELEGATE ASSEMBLY RECAP continued on page 3
NONPROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT 227
BOISE, IDAHO
Lynette Q. Member
1234 Main St.
Viola, Idaho 87654
620 N. 6th
PO Box 2638
Boise, ID 83701
Penni Cyr
President
Robin Nettinga
Managing Editor
Dave Harbison
Writer, Photographer and Editor
www.idahoea.org
facebook.com/idahoea
twitter.com/idahoedassoc
OrderWardHooper
IEAARTWORKNOW
RenownedIdahoartistWardHoopercreatedthis
amazingpiecetocommemoratethe122ndIEA
AnnualMeetingandcelebratetheAssociation’s
FocusontheFuture.Nowyoucanorderacopy
ofthisuniqueartworkanddisplayyourpridein
theIEAandtheeducationprofession.Posters,
printsandI-phonecoversarecurrentlyavailable.
www.wardhooper.com/the-iea-print-poster-or-iphone-4-or-5/

2. I see a future where…
This is just a sampling of the comments
written and voiced by IEA members who
attended the IEA’s 122nd Annual Delegate
Assembly just a few short weeks ago.
Hundreds of IEA members spent the
weekend focusing on the future for
their students, their profession and their
organization. Delegates spent hours
debating and deliberating issues, and
they also took time to celebrate.
As Napoleon Hill once said, “Whatever
the mind can conceive and believe,
it can achieve.” In the pages of this
month’s IEA Reporter, you’ll learn more
about the work accomplished at this
year’s Delegate Assembly.
Among the many important decisions
made at DA, delegates approved a
revised set of Core Values, Mission
Statement and Vision Statement. These
documents create a road map for the
IEA to focus on a future that unites IEA
members across Idaho to uphold a public
education system that prepares every
child to succeed.
Our mission is of the utmost importance.
But, without a plan, it is difficult to
know whether you are headed in the
right direction. Fortunately, a group
of smart leaders and staff have been
working to examine the current state
of the association and to develop a
strategic plan that will enable us to
reach for the stars.
As a result of their efforts, the IEA is
moving forward focused on building a
stronger, more vibrant organization with
a culture of membership. This includes
not only the need to increase the sheer
number of educators who are a part of
the IEA, but to also ensure that more
and more members become engaged
in association activities. It also includes
the creation of a leadership model that is
systemic and sustainable.
The IEA must—and will--continue
to evolve to meet the needs of our
members, to improve what we are
doing to achieve our shared mission,
and to advocate for Idaho’s education
professionals.
The IEA has been advocating for teachers
and public schools for the past 122 years.
Over those years, we have been a vital
and relevant organization, but it is up
to all of us to lead the way for the next
generation. Engaged IEA members in
every corner of Idaho make it possible
for the organization to advocate for
our members and the future of public
education.
The strategic plan also begins to outline
the important steps the IEA must take
to lead in the development of great
public schools and in the maximization
of opportunities for the students we
teach. No longer can we cede important
decisions about our profession to those
who know little about our public schools.
Those who work in our schools every
day have a unique perspective on what
our students and our schools need. A
key part of the process can be found in
our continued efforts to collaborate with
other education stakeholders and to find
common ground wherever and whenever
we can. By developing relationships with
other key stakeholders, we found great
success in the most recently concluded
legislative session.
It is imperative that we build on the
progress made at the capitol by
identifying and supporting candidates
who legitimately value and prioritize
public education—not just pay it lip
service. Our efforts were a key factor in
Tom Luna’s decision not to seek another
term as Idaho’s Superintendent for
Public Instruction. Now we must use our
collective clout to impact the race for
his successor, as well as in legislative
campaigns all around the state.
We are committed to reaching for the
stars and building the brightest possible
future for teachers, education support
professionals, students and communities
in Idaho.
Many times over the course of our
organization’s history, the IEA has
accomplished amazing feats. That’s what
happens when we use our collective
strength and work together for a common
cause. Make no doubt about it, the
collective strength of the Idaho Education
Association comes from your dedication,
your determination, and your desire to
have a better future for your students,
profession, and for yourself.
You are the core of our leadership, the
backbone of our past accomplishments,
and the hope for our future. Our strength
is in our unity and in our shared vision
for the future. Together, we are focused
on a very bright future. As Napoleon
Hill’s quote reminds us, we can achieve
whatever we put our minds to. We look
forward to moving the IEA forward and
building a brighter future!
Penni Cyr, IEA President
Robin Nettinga, IEA Executive Director
IEA Executive Director Robin Nettinga
and President Penni Cyr
…public education survives and thrives!
…collaborative efforts between the legislature and the IEA make Idaho a
great place to be a teacher!
…teachers are respected and paid like other professionals.
…children know how to think for themselves because we taught them to!
…education reform is left to those who know how to educate.
…the IEA is vigilant, united and prepared to stand against those who
oppose public education and the academic health of our students.
2 | IEA REPORTER

3. Register Now for IEA’s Summer Institute, Aug 6-9, Boise Centre, Downtown Boise
Space is limited, so reserve your spot online today at bit.ly/1hb1opq
The Sharing Our Strength theme will capture the importance of developing and sharing our professional wisdom and experience. Conference
strands align with the IEA’s mission to lead the way in growing and improving the education profession. They include . . .
l Beyond the Three Hour Tour: Mentoring and Leadership
l Filling Your Pail: Tools and Techniques for the Classroom
l Building a Life Raft: Traditional Association Training
l S. O. S.: CCSS, SBAC, SOLs, NBPTS—Where are we Now?
l A Treasure Map for your Desert Island: Survival for Teachers
l All Hands on Deck: ESPs-Education Support Personnel
Delegates participated by jotting down their hopes and aspirations on stars that
were then displayed on a banner under the heading I See a Future . . . President
Cyr and other speakers reinforced the message that the education profession
is in great need of expertise and leadership—and that association members are
distinctively qualified to provide both.
The keynote address was delivered by John Stocks, Executive Director of the
National Education Association. Stocks has significant ties to Idaho, having served
as a State Senator and political activist. He is married to former IEA President
Connie Hutchison.
Stocks urged IEA members to embrace the concept of “instructional advocacy” and
steward the education profession for the next generation. “We can no longer tolerate
people who have no idea how to educate students telling us how to do our jobs,” said
Stocks. “We have to be at the forefront of professional advocacy and claim it as our turf.”
That sentiment was echoed by Cyr in her address to the delegates. “As education
professionals who work with students on a daily basis, we have a unique perspective
on what best serves schools and students,” Cyr told delegates. “Our state is crying out
for effective leadership and innovative ideas, and this is a golden opportunity for us to
take full ownership of our role in setting the course for public education in Idaho.”
In keeping with the IEA’s forward-looking emphasis, the Board of Directors approved
a strategic plan that will enable the association to thrive and prosper in the coming
years. IEA staff will be meeting this spring to take the next steps toward implementing
the strategic plan. Feedback and support from members will be key components in
the effective implementation of these crucial strategies. President Cyr and Executive
Director Robin Nettinga share more thoughts about the strategic plan and the future
direction of the association on page two of this edition of the IEA Reporter.
Other highlights of the 2014 Annual Meeting/Delegate Assembly included remarks
from Idaho Teacher of the Year Jamie Esler, campaign speeches from candidates for
IEA offices, the IEA awards reception and fundraisers for the IEA Children’s Fund,
including the musical stylings of members and staff in the Children’s Fund karaoke
party to raise funds for needy children.
REACHING
for the STARS
Raising money for the Children’s Fund
was a key part of the event
Region 2 showing their colors and
enjoying Delegate Assembly
DELEGATE ASSEMBLY RECAP continued from page 1
NEA Executive Director John Stocks was the
keynote speaker at the Annual Meeting
© WINTER 2014 | 3
Local communities overwhelmingly supported school levies and bond issues when they went to the voting booths in early March. In all, 41
of 48 ballot measures passed as local districts sought local funding to replace resources lost as a result of drastic budget cuts at the state
level. For many years, so-called supplemental levies were used on a limited basis; generally to raise funds for specific projects. However
as state funding has dried up, many more districts have felt it necessary to ask their local property owners to approve additional levies in
order to continue offering basic, essential education services.
IEA President Penni Cyr issued a statement praising the passage
of levies around the state. That statement read, in part “we are
gratified that so many local communities have stepped up to
provide resources and support for their students and teachers.
Everyone benefits when our children are given access to a quality
education that prepares them for future endeavors.”
Two of the most noteworthy success stories relating to levies took
place in Kamiah and Nampa.
KEA President Amy Woods and
her team were instrumental in
the successful levy vote
Voters in Kamiah approved a crucial
levy this spring
More Essential than Supplemental,
LEVIES BRIDGE THE FUNDING GAP FOR MANY DISTRICTS
> KAMIAH
This small yet bustling town located southeast of Lewiston passed
a desperately needed $650,000 levy, saving the district from a
discontinuation of essential services and possibly a complete
shutdown. A solid voter turnout, spurred on by support from the
Kamiah Education Association, led to a 56%-44% passage of
the levy. The result was a huge shot in the arm for a district that
has battled teacher retention issues and budget deficits. “Our
community recognized the dire straits that we were facing and
responded in an amazing way,” said KEA President Amy Woods.
“We have great teachers and students here in Kamiah and we are
thrilled that they received the support they deserve.”
> NAMPA
Beset by financial mismanagement and budget deficits at the district
level as well as personnel turnover in recent years, Nampa gained
some much needed stability with the passage of a two year, $6.68
million levy. The outcome means that Nampa can restore about half
of its 46 vacant teaching positions, add five classroom days back
to the school calendar and bring back teacher training days that
had been lost. The levy passed with 62% approval and marks the
third successful levy since August of 2012.
Education Support Professionals (ESP), or classified employees, are an important component of our public schools. ESPs include school
bus drivers, para educators, lunch room workers, school secretaries, registrars, custodians, and maintenance workers to name a few. In
short, they are the nuts and bolts of a public school, working behind the scenes to make sure that our schools run smoothly, effectively,
and safely. Though dedicated and hardworking, ESPs are among the lowest paid employees in our school systems, many working
primarily to provide health benefits for their families.
When every penny counts in a family’s budget, it is no wonder that our ESPs need to know that becoming a member of the Idaho
Education Association is an investment worth making.
ESP membership in the IEA offers:
l PROTECTION – As with certificated members, ESP members are offered legal representation, liability insurance, compensation and benefits.
l SAVINGS – ESP members can save by using their membership card to access discounts for purchases made locally or across the
nation. You can recoup your membership dues by using your card on local purchases alone!
l REPRESENTATION – ESP members are represented in the region and at the state level by the Education Support Professional
Committee, as well as on the IEA Board of Directors. Your voice can be heard.
l ADVOCACY – The Idaho Education Association is the only entity actively working for the rights and responsibilities of Idaho’s ESPs. This
year, the Idaho Education Association sponsored Senate Bill 1232 which amends current law to provide that school bus drivers, while
they are acting within the scope of their duties, will not be civilly
or criminally liable for reasonably acting to assist a bus passenger
whom the driver believes to be in imminent danger of harm or
injury. SB 1232 was signed by Governor Butch Otter and goes into
effect on July 1, 2014.
Membership has many benefits. Take the time to sit down and visit
with your ESP colleagues and share this information with them. It could
make a world of difference. – Bobbie Steffensen, ESP Committee
ESP CORNER IN SUPPORT OF EDUCATION
THE IDAHO EDUCATION ASSOCIATION has a state
ESP Committee working on issues of concern to ESPs. The
Co-Chairs are Debbie Flory, ESP Board At-Large member and
Kim Bermensolo of Region 6. The IEA Board will consider
members to fill vacancies in August 2014. If you are interested
in applying for the committee, please contact IEA President,
Penni Cyr or watch for the application this spring.
6 | IEA REPORTER

4. LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP continued from page 1
K-12 EDUCATION BUDGET FOR 2015
Lawmakers approved a one percent increase in base salary
allocation for teachers, as the IEA successfully lobbied
legislators to disregard the Governor’s proposed budget, which
did not include salary increases for professional educators.
While this move represents a step in the right direction, base
salary allocation is still more than $21 million less than it was
in 2009. Legislators also approved $15.8 million in leadership
awards, which are viewed as a bridge to the career ladders
formula recommended by the Task Force. HB 638 also included
$8.25 million for professional development.
Legislators approved $35 million in operational funding to begin
restoring an essential piece of the budget that was slashed
drastically during the recession. This is also a positive step, but
operational funding remains roughly $3,295 less per unit than
in 2009. HB 639 also provides $8 million in ongoing funding
for classroom technology and $3 million in one-time funding for
technology pilot programs.
Also on the technology front, legislators voted to provide $4.8
million to bail out the financially troubled Idaho Education Network.
IEN is an invaluable resource for Idaho schools, particularly in rural
areas, but the project has not received expected federal funds in
nearly a year and faces ongoing litigation.
IEA BILL PROTECTING
BUS DRIVERS PASSES;
POTENTIALLY HARMFUL
LEGISLATION STALLS
The IEA proposed SB 1232, which protects
school bus drivers from civil and criminal
liability if they come to the aid of a rider
who might be in danger. This bill passed
the legislature and was signed into law by
Governor Otter. Other legislation supported
by the IEA that became law included a
bill assuring that the ESP Grievance Law
remains in effect, a bill requiring the State
Department of Education to collect
and report data on class sizes, and
extensions of sunset provisions for
labor laws that will allow more time
to work on long term solutions with
education stakeholders.
IEA leaders also lobbied against
several bills and were successful
in preventing them from moving
forward. Among them were bills
that would have placed less
emphasis on professional practice in evaluating teachers and
legislation that would have established $10 million in tax credits
to fund private school tuition.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Progress was made during the 2014 legislative session, but much
work remains to be done. Patience will be required as the IEA
and other stakeholders seek to further restore funding cuts and
implement the Task Force recommendations. Collaboration was
a critical part of moving public education reform forward, and
the IEA will continue to pursue such opportunities whenever and
wherever they are practical. For more on the IEA’s plan for both
the short-term and long-range future, please read the leadership
letter on page two of this IEA Reporter.
Idaho Teacher of the Year
Jamie Esler addresses the
House Education Committee
IEA President ON IdahoPTV
IEA President Penni Cyr shared her insight with Idaho
Public Television as the legislature discussed education
issues and policy. Hosts Emilie Ritter-Saunders and
Melissa Davlin speak with Cyr during a studio interview.
www.idahoea.org
IEA 24/7
Sign up for our email
digest on education news,
resources and politics.
Join the conversation
with other members on
Facebook and Twitter.
facebook.com/idahoea
twitter.com/idahoedassoc
bit.ly/1hb2fXk
Shortly after the conclusion of the 2014 legislative session,
three key IEA leaders sat down for a roundtable discussion
on the ramifications of the session for professional educators
and public education in Idaho. Listen to the podcast as IEA
President Penni Cyr, Executive Director Robin Nettinga and
Director of Public Policy Matt Compton break down the
positive outcomes and the challenges ahead.
PODCAST:
IEA Leaders Recap the Legislative Session
4 | IEA REPORTER
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
PHIL HARDING
has taken over as
Region Director in
Region 1, where
he notes that
his priorities include “increasing
membership, providing quality
advice and assistance to leaders
and members, building the
association’s capacity to accomplish
its goals and most importantly,
helping educators in public schools
take back their profession.” Phil
comes to the IEA from Arizona,
where he spent the last seven years
working as a UniServe Director in
the East Valley area of Phoenix. His
IEA position marks a return to the
great northwest for Phil—he taught
for 30 years in Washington state and
served four years as the full-time
release president of the Vancouver
(Washington) Education Association.
BEAGE ATWATER
is the newest
addition to the
Eastern Organizing
Center, having
recently joined the IEA as a Director.
Beage is based in Teton County,
where she and her husband now
reside. She previously worked for
the Colorado Education Association,
the Missouri Education Association
and the National Education
Association. Beage has extensive
experience in the political arena,
having served as a senior advisor
to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock
in addition to doing campaign work
in support of candidates such as
Bill Clinton, Dick Gephardt and Ken
Salazar.
AMI REID recently
resigned from her
position as the IEA’s
Director of Business
and Finance. “I am
grateful for the opportunity to have
worked with the IEA these past four
years…and I wish you the best in
the coming years as you advocate
for Idaho’s public educators,” she
said in her letter of resignation. Ami
has accepted a position as Chief
Financial Officer with the Western
Association of Fish and Wildlife
Agencies.
MILLIE FLANDRO, Longtime IEA
member and leader, passed away
on February 27,
2014 at the age of
59, due to natural
causes associated
with early onset
Alzheimer’s. She graduated from
Pocatello High School and Idaho
State University before embarking
on a career in education and
public service. Millie taught at
Irving Junior High School and
Highland High School, then earned
her administrative certificate and
worked as principal or vice-
principal at Kinport Academy,
Irving Middle School and Century
High School. She also served
as President of the Pocatello
Education Association and was
elected to the Idaho House of
Representatives in 1990.
“Why Would You Want to be a Teacher?”
Katie Graupman has the Answer!
In her testimony before the Idaho State legislature earlier
this year, 2013 Milken Award winner Katie Graupman shared
a seminal experience from her career as a professional
educator. Graupman graduated from Priest River Lamanna
High School as valedictorian and as a National Merit Finalist,
so she was well prepared to take on virtually any challenge
and had a multitude of career options. But when Katie talked
with friends about her desire to be a teacher, she was taken
aback by the response.
What she heard was consistent puzzlement. “You could do
anything. Why would you want to be a teacher? Why would you
want to waste your talents doing that? Are you really that lazy?”
The interesting twist was that Katie already knew how
important teachers were and what she calls the “Herculean
effort” that it takes to excel in the profession. Because
Katie’s mother, Peg Suenkel, had been a teacher for many
years in small Idaho towns like Plummer, Grangeville, Priest
River, Idaho Hill and St. Maries. So Katie knew just what she
was getting into and had no qualms about choosing a career
where she could make a difference in the lives of children.
“Every day I have the opportunity to positively and
permanently impact the lives of about 100 other human
beings,” Graupman told Idaho legislators. She went
on to encourage lawmakers to provide the resources
that professional educators need to maximize student
learning. “Idaho students deserve the best educators,
and the best educators deserve your support,”
Graupman noted in her remarks to both the House and
Senate Education Committees.
Now in her 13th year as a professional educator, Katie
teaches English at Timberlake High School in Spirit Lake.
Students under her tutelage have increased their scores
on the ISAT and on writing assessments each year. In
nominating her for the Milken Award, Graupman’s colleagues
described her with words like innovative, leader, mentor and
courageous. They also praised her work ethic and focus on
mastery for all of her students.
While Katie loves her job and has no regrets about her
career choice, she does have concerns about the future
of the profession. She notes that many teachers are
disheartened by the lack of support and respect that they
receive and is troubled by the fact that potential teachers are
being steered in other directions.
“We need to send the message that Idaho students possess
limitless potential and that Idaho supports its students,
teachers and schools,” Graupman told lawmakers. “Nothing
less than the future of Idaho depends on this.”
As we shine our member spotlight on Milken Award winner
Katie Graupman, we can’t help but feel that Spirit Lake
students are very fortunate that she ignored the naysayers
and forged a rewarding career as a professional educator.
Milken Award winner Katie Graupman (center) spent a day at
the Capitol during the legislative session
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • IEA PEOPLE
© WINTER 2014 | 5