Kevin’s blog

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

No funding, but some hope: What a national report says about pre-K in Idaho

Idaho is one of seven states that does not fund pre-K, but “has been focused on the future,” the National Institute for Early Education Research said in a recent report.

Climate change instruction in the Rust Belt: a touchy topic

On Sunday, the New York Times took an in-depth look at teaching climate change in school — and pushback from skeptical students. Idaho makes a cameo appearance in the story.

Why we protested the Nampa superintendent hire

Hiring a superintendent might be the single most important decision a school board can make. We believe the process should be as transparent as possible, every step of the way.

Blaine County negotiations hit a deadlock

The proposed offer would have provided about $1 million for automatic pay raises, and Superintendent GwenCarol Holmes says the district’s options are limited.

Labrador to hit road to announce bid for governor

The statewide tour comes three weeks after Rep. Raul Labrador filed campaign paperwork.

Boise considers earlier start to 2018-19 school year

The one-week move would allow students to take fall end-of-semester exams before holiday break — and it could yield the Boise district a little bit more state money.

Study: Trump budget could cost Idaho schools $16.1 million

“Idaho simply cannot afford to absorb the costs we would incur if a version of this budget is approved by Congress,” Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy director Lauren Necochea said Tuesday.

K-12 budget: Ybarra jumps off the Trump train

On Tuesday, state superintendent Sherri Ybarra invited Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to come to Idaho and see the effects of potential budget cuts firsthand. Six weeks earlier, Ybarra’s tone was dramatically different.

What voter registrations say about the GOP’s Statehouse dominance

In 19 of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts, a majority of voters are registered Republicans. Not surprisingly, the GOP holds all 57 House and Senate seats in these 19 districts.