Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Boise School Board faces another vacancy
Trustees are likely to accept Doug Park’s resignation Monday night — and talk about the appointment process. Park had served for five years.
Idaho Press: Ybarra budget request contained a $100 million error
A news release did not outline the magnitude of the error, which was blamed on a senior State Department of Education staffer.
Wilson: Ybarra’s school security plan ‘dead on arrival’
“Any proposal that didn’t include stakeholder input is bad,” the Democratic state superintendent candidate said Wednesday, in a joint interview with KIVI 6 On Your Side and Idaho Education News.
College and the American dream: a panel discussion
On opposite ends of the continent, two very different universities have emphasized opening their doors to low-income and first-generation college students. What can other schools learn from them?
Before polls close, Durst goes scorched-earth
In a Tuesday evening Facebook post, Branden Durst calls himself the victim of “smear tactics” — and says his unsuccessful school board run was partially an attempt to identify “true friends and supporters” for future runs.
Estey appears to have fundraising edge in Boise trustee election
The Boise State University administrator has secured donations from two legislators, two Boise school trustees and a Boise City Council member.
Advocates sound alarm over student homelessness
More than 7,800 Idaho students were homeless last school year — and advocates say the problem isn’t just confined to the rapidly growing Treasure Valley.
Higher education ‘deserts’ are widespread across the state
Up to a fifth of the state’s adults live at least an hour from a college campus, the Chronicle of Higher Education reported recently. That percentage is well above the national average.
Idaho State athletic director placed on administrative leave
Jeff Tingey will continue to receive his $150,467-a-year salary through June, the Idaho State Journal reported.
Does DeVos want to use federal dollars to arm teachers?
There are conflicting news reports about the Education Department’s plans. But a move to use federal dollars for firearms could put the White House at odds with Congress.