Kevin’s blog

Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.

Lawmakers push for tighter campaign finance laws

The discussion comes after state superintendent Sherri Ybarra and lieutenant governor’s candidate Janice McGeachin missed June filing deadlines — but avoided fines.

Abuse, harassment claims surface in Boise School Board election

Branden Durst denied wrongdoing in an interview with the Idaho Statesman. But the former legislator has lost one prominent endorsement.

In national survey, support grows for teacher pay raises

Public support is growing for increased K-12 spending — as well as charter schools and vouchers.

New math: A “3” on an AP test equals college credit

Passing one of the rigorous tests will earn guaranteed college credits, under a new State Board of Education policy.

Performance and poverty: looking at the state’s school rankings

One non-surprise from the list of Idaho’s lowest-performing schools: Demographics matter.

Balukoff endorses Estey in Boise trustee election

The Boise State University administrator has received backing from several big-name politicos ahead of the Sept. 4 election.

Schimpf: ‘I don’t think it’s in Boise State’s DNA to sit around’

Boise State University’s interim president cited several success stories in an address Tuesday morning.

Will Goodman’s apologetic resignation email

The former Sherri Ybarra aide couldn’t scare up the state superintendent via phone or text, so he put his decision in writing.

Former Twin Falls teacher acquitted in rape case

Jason Benjamin admitted having sex with a 17-year-old student; he was 39 at the time. “We just felt that we couldn’t throw this guy’s life away, when in our definition she wasn’t raped,” the jury’s foreman told the Twin Falls Times-News.

West Ada floats another idea to offset building costs

The state’s largest district says the state should help pay the price of growth by covering half the cost of school bond issues.