Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Charter school groups criticize House-passed tax bill
The House version of the tax bill would eliminate credits and tax-free bonds that can offset school building costs. A national group says the bill could be “devastating” to charter schools.
State report: Idaho tax burden ranks No. 48 in nation
Even when the tax burden is adjusted for income, Idahoans’ tax bill comes in 11 percent below the national average, Betsy Russell of the Spokane Spokesman-Review reported.
Pocatello could drop ‘school of choice’ enrollment policy
For now, Pocatello students can choose which high school they attend. A citizens’ committee has recommended rescinding this policy, according to the Idaho State Journal.
Following the dollars — or not — in Idaho Falls bond campaign
Supporters and opponents of last week’s Idaho Falls school bond issue aren’t saying much about how they funded their campaigns, the Post Register reported. And that’s how the law works.
Perry joins GOP fray in 1st Congressional District
State Rep. Christy Perry of Nampa becomes the sixth Republican and second sitting legislator to enter the open race in the 1st Congressional District.
Report: November school board elections grow more hotly contested
In this month’s elections, 86 percent of school board candidates in the nation’s largest school districts faced opposition. In November 2016, 74 percent of trustee candidates were opposed.
Is DeVos a short-timer? Um, maybe not
A scoop? Or fake news? One viral news story suggests the controversial education secretary is on her way out of the Trump cabinet. Other journalists dismiss the story as flimsy.
Nampa explores options to help homeless students
The Nampa district had an agreement to work with a nonprofit group on housing for homeless students, but rescinded the deal in June, the Idaho Press-Tribune reported.
High schools host college application events
Some 80 high schools will host events this week geared to help and encourage seniors to apply to college. More than 8,700 students took part in College Application Week events last year.
Balukoff files paperwork for another run for governor
A.J. Balukoff, a longtime Boise school trustee, took a step closer to the gubernatorial campaign Thursday. Balukoff was the Democrats’ nominee in 2014, losing to GOP incumbent Butch Otter.