If a proposed budget passes the Idaho legislature, support for public schools will get a 4.6% boost next year and teachers making the minimum salary will get a small boost to their paychecks.

The joint finance-appropriations committee approved the $1.56 billion plan Monday. It includes $1.27 billion in state general funding. That's up $56.2 million from this year. The minimum teacher salary would go from $30,000 to $30,500.

The plan needs house and senate approval.

Imagine your child’s artwork posted on your refrigerator. Now imagine it on the state’s Department of Education website. Think bigger. Imagine it on the department’s annual holiday greeting card. That artwork could be your kid’s work. Get out the crayons and markers and set them to work! They have until November 4th to submit their artwork.

“Our annual Holiday Card Contest is a great opportunity for Idaho’s elementary students to showcase their artistic abilities and for us all to recognize the importance of arts in education,” public instruction superintendent Tom Luna said.

It's official, I wish I could be 13 years old forever. Today I had the opportunity to dilly dally around in a "Rolling Video Games" trailer. When they first showed up Robyn Nance insisted I come and check it out (it was a setting place for a Wednesday Child shoot). At first i was hesitant for some reason, it took two invites to get me out there and let me tell you I'm glad I did!