I have a Google Alert for "Tom Luna" since I am a 5th grade school teacher in Idaho. That's how I saw your post. At one time I was leery about Supt. Luna too. After a few things I've experienced, I came to see things differently.
When Tom Luna proposed his reform plan and the laws that go with it there were many teachers in Idaho that were extremely upset and were very uncomfortable. There were many teachers who attacked him because of his credentials and claimed that he was a horrible candidate to lead us in education reform. Before I finished up my undergrad I set up a two-day intern at the State Department of Education to find out what they did there. I sat down and spoke with more than 10 individuals in the 6 divisions including 3 of the deputy-superintendents in the department. I was ASTONISHED. The people in Luna's cabinet were so aware of what was going on in the state and the lack of resources to achieve the high goals that we've had with NCLB. My respect for not only education in Idaho went up, but my respect for the whole state of Idaho went up. I became a proud Idahoan. I wanted to become a part of the department. Among many questions, I asked the 3 deputy superintendents and the other division leaders how they felt about Supt. Luna. Their response was EXTREMELY positive. One of the gals in the department said, "I worked under the previous administration and felt leery about Supt. Luna when he was first elected. After having worked with him, all my doubts were dispersed. He is a tremendous leader for the department." One of the deputy-superintendents said "Luna has done more in his 1st year in office than done by those in the same position in the previous 10 years."
At the end of my two-day intern, Supt. Luna set apart time for me to sit down with just him and his chief of staff, Luci Willits, and ask them my questions. I left my internship in awe of the quality, sharp, and visionary man, Tom Luna is. I whole-heartedly support Supt. Luna in the education reform. I'll share my thoughts and feelings about him with anyone who wants to hear. When I heard that Romney had selected him to be on the advisory council for education, I couldn't have felt more happy and in favor. Please, let me reassure you, if Romney takes advice from Tom Luna, Romney can and will make better decisions about our country's education.
As for where he was getting the money, there is a spectacular financial plan for the reform created and posted on the Idaho department of education website. Tim Hill, the Deputy-Supt. of Public School Finance outlined in detail exactly where the money would come from and where it all would go.
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