Blake Jones

Reporter Blake Jones covers the politics and policy of Idaho's K-12 public school system. He's a lifelong Idahoan, and holds degrees in Creative Writing and Political Economy from the College of Idaho. Follow Blake on Twitter @jonesblakej. He can be reached by email at [email protected].

Statehouse roundup, 3.17.22: Little vetoes teacher premium expansion

Also Thursday, a $56.9 million budget for the state’s community college system passed the Senate.

Statehouse roundup, 3.14.22: Full-day kindergarten bill heads to House for its last test

A mix of enthusiastic and reluctant House Education Committee members passed Senate Bill 1373 in a 9-5 vote.

Statehouse roundup, 3.8.22: House approves school mask mandate opt-outs

Also: A bill meant to screen students for dyslexia and provide teachers with professional development to help affected students passed the House unanimously.

House backs criminal charges for educators, librarians who disseminate ‘harmful materials’ to children

An hour-plus debate featured raised voices, impassioned decrials of pornography and back-and-forth between attorney legislators.

Statehouse roundup, 3.4.22: A ‘blend’ of dyslexia-focused bills heads to the House

INSIDE: The House narrowly voted to extend funding of schools based on their enrollment for two more years.

Statehouse roundup, 3.3.22: ‘Harmful materials’ bill heads to House floor

INSIDE: The House sinks a bill that would mandate drug testing for substitute teachers.

House Education Committee narrowly kills private school tuition bill 

Families could have spent up to $5,950 per student on private school tuition and fees, laptops and other education-related costs out of “education savings accounts” under the bill.

Statehouse roundup, 2.28.22: Education savings account proposal draws deep roster of testifiers

The bill would allow families to spend up to $5,950 in state funds on their child’s private school tuition and fees.

Statehouse roundup, 2.24.22: House Ed backs drug testing for subs in narrow vote

Sponsor Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, said substitute teaching “is a very easy way to access children and sell drugs to them,” and argued a testing mandate could help cut off drug trafficking into schools.

Idaho Senate lambasts critical race theory, ‘divisive’ teachings in resolution

SCR 118 denounces “divisive content … appearing in school curriculum across that nation” that “seeks to disregard the history of the United Stated and the nation’s journey to becoming a pillar of freedom in the world.”