Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Nampa to seek supplemental levy in November
The two-year, $18.75 million levy replaces a smaller two-year levy passed in 2015. The district says rising property values will cover the difference.
Funding formula committee continues its homework Friday
Lawmakers will spend Friday morning hearing from a national expert on school funding formulas.
A decisive meeting looms for higher ed task force
The gubernatorial task force will meet in Boise Friday — and is likely to come up with recommendations for Gov. Butch Otter and the 2018 Legislature.
Legislature will pilot remote testimony
House Education Committee Chair Julie VanOrden will allow remote testimony on some bills in 2018, Boise State Public Radio reported Monday.
What did the Idaho Education Network failure really cost?
This week, the Associated Press pegged the cost of the failed broadband project at $40 million.
Idaho ACT scores drop, but still top national averages
However, only 38 percent of Idaho high school seniors took the college placement test. Nationally, 60 percent of seniors take the ACT.
Education Week: Ybarra salary ranks No. 45 in nation
However, state superintendent Sherri Ybarra’s $105,771 salary compares more favorably with other elected school chiefs. Appointed superintendents command much higher salaries.
Ybarra’s shop issues (a lot of) ISAT data
If you want numbers from this spring’s standardized test — down to the school or district level — here’s where to find them.
Caldwell reaches tentative labor agreement
Negotiators struck a deal after meeting with a federal mediator Wednesday. The teachers’ union and the school board still has to approve the plan.
Democratic lawmakers laud school votes
The failure of a bond issue in Shoshone hit home for Sen. Michelle Stennett of Ketchum, who represents the Lincoln County community. “Students in the Shoshone district deserve all of the same opportunities as every other Idahoan.”