Where teachers are — or aren’t — getting raises
Idaho’s state legislature approved only a minimal 1% increase in K-12 funding, leaving most school districts unable to raise teacher salaries for the 2026-27 school year, though West Ada teachers secured a 3.82% raise through local negotiations. Districts like Pocatello and Twin Falls offered no salary increases, while Boise provided a 0.5% bump and Vallivue gave veteran teachers a 0.25% raise, citing flat state funding and rising costs for insurance and supplies.
Idaho’s public school teachers face uneven pay adjustments for the 2026-27 school year, as state funding remained largely stagnant. The Idaho Legislature approved less than a 1% increase in overall K-12 funding, with no changes to salary schedules for most districts. Only a 10.8% bump in health insurance funding per support unit was allocated, leaving local districts to negotiate raises with limited resources. West Ada teachers secured the highest increase, averaging 3.82% (around $1,900–$3,200), after their union ratified a contract with 79.7% approval. Boise School District offered a modest 0.5% raise and an extra personal leave day, while Pocatello and Twin Falls provided no salary increases, though teachers can still advance on the career ladder. Vallivue gave veteran teachers a 0.25% raise (approximately $200–$300), citing flat state funding as the primary constraint. School leaders blame rising costs for insurance, utilities, and supplies, forcing districts to seek supplemental funding. Pocatello plans to propose another levy in November, while Boise’s board chair acknowledged the 0.5% raise was the best possible outcome under financial strain. Negotiations wrapped up in May ahead of the fiscal year starting July 1, with some districts still finalizing agreements.
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