Blake Jones
$164.2 million for schools are on the table in May 18 election
Fourteen districts will look to bankroll new schools, existing teacher salaries and more using local property taxes.
Bulk of emails urged Little to veto critical race theory bill
By EdNews’ count, 69.4 percent of emails to the governor petitioned him to veto House Bill 377.
Legislature to return Wednesday afternoon with light education load
Some of the hottest debates over education bills – around school budgets and indoctrination in the classroom – have been settled.
Legislative roundup, 5.3.21: Senate cuts income taxes as Dems call for more education spending
The $383 million in cuts were pushed by Statehouse Republicans, who say lower taxes are key to the state’s economic competitiveness.
Legislative roundup, 4.29.21: Little signs nondiscrimination bill, but questions ‘anecdotes and innuendo’ that birthed it
In signing, Little questioned the Legislature’s interrogation of “widespread, systemic indoctrination in Idaho classrooms” that fueled the bill.
Legislative roundup, 4.27.21: House denies funding, need for school COVID testing
The House Tuesday struck down a bill to free up $40.3 million to help schools pay for staff and student COVID-19 tests. School districts, along with private and charter schools, could have opted into receiving the state-held federal money to pay for voluntary tests. But some House members said they didn’t want more coronavirus testing…
Legislative roundup, 4.22.21: House passes new “nondiscrimination” bill after marathon day of debates
This bill could break the legislative logjam budget debates have created. And that could bring an end to a historically long session that costs taxpayers more each day.
Legislative roundup, 4.21.21: Anti-sectarianism bill gets a rewrite; McGeachin’s indoctrination task force takes shape
In other news, the Idaho Lottery will continue to offer the Powerball game, which provides dividends to public schools.
Legislative roundup, 4.16.21: House passes higher ed free speech bill
Some Republicans say the Protecting Critical Thinking in Higher Education Act, which gives students added grounds to sue colleges and professors, could be the linchpin to passing a higher ed budget.
Legislative roundup, 4.13.21: House votes down teacher salary bill
The largest of the state’s K-12 budget bills, the teacher pay bill, now goes back to the drawing board. Opponents want language restricting schools from addressing social justice topics in the classroom.