Viewpoint: Issues facing Idaho public schools in 2021 Education leaders discuss some of the big issues facing Idaho public schools and universities, including funding, teacher pay and COVID-19. Author: Doug Petcash Updated: 9:47 AM MST February 28, 2021 BOISE, Idaho — This edition of Viewpoint focuses on the main issues and challenges facing Idaho's public schools and 4-year higher learning institutions. Below are excerpts from the discussion about school funding versus tax relief. The guests this week are Idaho Education Association (IEA) President Layne McInelly and Idaho State Board of Education President Debbie Critchfield. IEA, the teachers union, is pushing for lawmakers to use a large chunk of the state's projected $600 million budget surplus to make a substantial investment in public schools rather than implementing tax cuts.