Bonuses Prompt Backlash in Idaho

Schools chief criticized for doling out cash on her way out of office.

Christmas came a few weeks early for Idaho Department of Education employees this year: Outgoing state Superintendent Marilyn Howard awarded a total of $120,098 in merit bonuses to 135 members of her 140-person staff—$960 for each full-time employee, a bit less for the part-timers.

But the bonuses have left some state officials smarting over the timing.

While nothing Ms. Howard did was illegal or improper, “the thing that stings about this is the timing of it and the distribution,” said Brad Foltman, the budget chief for Gov. James E. Risch. “Regardless of job class and pay level, everyone got the same amount. Some would say that is...