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].

Indoctrination task force member dies of COVID

“Pete (Coulson) was a very healthy 67. He would tell people he was vaccinated in Christ. He didn’t fear death,” conservative talk radio host Bill Colley wrote Thursday.

More trustee seats are contested this election cycle than last

But over 70% of races still only have one candidate. Find out inside whether your district has any contested elections.

West Ada parent launches recall effort against board chair

David Binetti argues chair Amy Johnson’s employment at Blue Cross of Idaho presents a conflict of interest. Johnson maintains she is not violating any policies.

Idaho teacher to vie for Miss USA crown

“I am not only representing Idaho. I’m representing educators,” Katarina Schweitzer said.

Idaho schools could get COVID testing cash in ‘a matter of days’

Thirteen schools and districts are set to receive money, and 46 have signaled interest.

How federal vaccine mandates affect Idaho education

Staff of at least two schools and a baker’s dozen Head Start programs will have to get the jab.

Conservative lawmakers talk about banning vaccine mandates, but lack a quorum

Republican state representatives descended on the House floor after rallying anti-vaccine-mandate protesters on the steps of the State Capitol Wednesday.

Feds approve Idaho’s K-12 spending plan

The state can now access another $146 million to spend on public schools.

West Ada superintendent decides to mandate masks

The new requirement is effective Friday, Sept. 10. In the Nampa School District, trustees voted 2-2 to keep masks optional.

Idaho teachers’ retirement benefits among the best in the country, says study

But the ranking leaves in question how much a high-ranked retirement offering can offset low-ranked wages, as school hiring teams navigate a competitive job market.