Kevin Richert's analysis
What can we expect from the U of I search? Secrecy, for starters.
After a tortured 16-month Boise State search, U of I’s may move faster. But a smoother search won’t necessarily be a more transparent one.
Career Technical Education
Lake Pend Oreille launches career technical center at Sandpoint High School
Idaho Digital Learning Alliance
Cuts to successful reading program leave schools struggling to find a replacement
Higher education politics
Boise State, U of I receive lackluster grades for campus free speech
School Board Business
Lakeland paid nearly $160k to end superintendent’s tenure
Classroom Tech
Nampa switches to Apple as PC prices rise
School board business
Boise enrollment drops by hundreds of students
Artificial intelligence
Boise partners with OpenAI to upgrade ChatGPT for educators
Life after high school
Federal grant will help Idaho students showcase skills for college, careers
Get EdNews in your inbox
Also - check out EdNews’ transparency and accountability tracker: UNDER WATCH
We regularly file public records requests, ask tough questions and follow the paper trail. Under Watch documents the challenges we encounter along the way — including unanswered requests, missing documents and denied or redacted records that deserve public scrutiny.
The EdNews Show Ep. 4: State superintendent debate pregame
Republican incumbent Debbie Critchfield and Democrat challenger Becky Sundin Mitchell will face off in a debate next week in the race for Idaho superintendent of public instruction.
Special Series
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 2021 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.
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.
Opinion
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.