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Boise, ID, United States (AHN) – Hundreds of teachers rallied across Idaho on Presidents’ Day to protest a bill that would make drastic changes in education, including investments in technology and cuts to teaching positions.

Teachers, parents and students gathered in Boise, Twin Falls and other locations to call on lawmakers not to approve state Senate bills 1108, 1110 and 1113.

The measures outline a proposal from Education Superintendent Tom Luna called “Students Come First” that would save the state $500 million over the next five years.

Unions say the plan would “nearly obliterate” their collective bargaining power and replace teachers with computers. They question how the quality of education will improve by increasing class sizes and removing teacher tenure.

In addition, they cite reports the plan would profit companies that financially supported Luna’s re-election in 2009.

The education department says “all the credible research available… [has] no substantial correlation between class sizes and student outcomes.” The agency, which Luna has headed since 2007, lists as one of several “myths” the warning that laptops would replace teachers.

Luna’s proposal invests an unprecedented $53 million in software and equipment to enhance learning. It also requires every student to take four of the minimum 46 credits online before graduating high school.

The plan would require 770 teaching posts to be cut but would use $250 million to raise pay for teachers. Teachers would get compensation in addition to their salary for strong performance, which is tied to the achievements of her students.

Merit-pay is an issue even President Barack Obama has attempted to introduce into his national education overhaul, with little support and vigorous opposition from unions. Opponents of pay-for-performance plans cite studies about the inaccuracies and logistical difficulties of linking student test scores to teacher performance.

Gov. C.L. Butch Otter, however, has invoked his experience as a former teacher to push for the proposal. “If I was still in the classroom, I could earn up to $8,000 in bonuses a year. We have great teachers all across our state. It’s time we showed our appreciation,” he said over the weekend.

The Idaho Education Association has warned the plan would drastically cut the ability of unions to bargain.

The process of fact-finding and mediation allowed by state laws would change, allowing only for mediation if the local school board and the union agree. Without agreement between the two parties, the board can impose a compensation package.

Officials argue that Luna’s proposal gives local school boards and parents greater control. “Local school boards–those elected to make education decisions in their local community–will continue to implement objectives defined by the Legislature, as is the practice today,” according to the education department.

The debate has formed along party lines, with Republicans and Tea Party conservatives rallying behind Luna.

Democrats are on the other side with unions citing reports that tie Luna’s plan to his campaign contributors, including K12 Inc. of Virginia, operator of the Idaho Virtual Academy, and the Apollo Group of Phoenix, parent company of an online university.

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