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The College of Western Idaho held a grand opening Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, for its 35,000-sqaure-foot Nampa Campus CapEd Student Success Center. (CWI photo)

One-stop student support center opens at CWI

Boise High School building

BABE VOTE announces Boise trustee candidates’ forum

Boise State University (Kaeden Lincoln/IdahoEdNews)

Hahn hires former colleague to new Boise State administrative post

Special Series

Idaho School Benefit Trust logo

The Idaho School Benefit Trust ran out of money in 2026 — leaving nearly 100 districts and charters to confront a health insurance crisis that had been building for years.

The trust’s fund balance fell from $22.5 million in 2020 to $2.1 million in just four years. Manager Debbie Hainke notified members of a shortfall in July but has declined to provide members or EdNews with financial documents.

Emails also show Idaho’s top insurance regulator knew the trust was in financial trouble.

EdNews has tracked the trust’s unraveling through public records, interviews and reporting. Our continuing coverage will investigate the ultimate cost to teachers and taxpayers.

Explore our Idaho School Benefit Trust coverage timeline »

Spelling it Out

This series aims to break down complex terms, ideas, and jargon in education and become a resource for taxpayers, educators, parents, and students.