Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
CDA superintendent leaves for job in Washington state
Matthew Handelman had been Coeur d’Alene’s superintendent since 2013. He is leaving for a job with Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver, Wash.
Leadership premiums: a case study from Troy
Troy district Superintendent Christy Castro says all of her teachers deserved a bonus in 2015-16 — because they all contributed to improved student performance.
Prominent trial lawyer joins Dietrich civil case
In the $10 million civil claim, the family of a sexual assault victim says school officials knew — or should have known — about an escalating pattern of bullying.
U.S. Supreme Court hears Blaine Amendment case Wednesday
Idaho is among 37 states with a “Blaine Amendment,” which prohibits spending public money on religious schools.
Labrador: Decision on future will come ‘sooner rather than later’
In an interview with Bill Spence of the Lewiston Tribune, Rep. Raul Labrador said he has been focusing on President Trump’s first 100 days in office before turning to his own political future.
Conservative group praises 2017 Legislature
“More legislators than ever before voted in support of legislation to restrain the size and power of government,” Idaho Freedom Foundation president Wayne Hoffman said Friday, as the group issued its 2017 scorecard.
Safe routes to school bill becomes law, without Otter’s blessing
Passed in the final hours of the 2017 session, the new law allows the Idaho Transportation Department to siphon some state dollars into pedestrian projects near school zones.
Analysis: Grocery tax veto tears open a widening rift in GOP
Gov. Butch Otter faces increasingly vocal opposition from fellow Republicans — as his final term heads into its final 20 months.
Today in the political rumor mill: state GOP chair steps down
Steve Yates says he hopes to serve Idaho, “in another capacity.” The Idaho Falls Republican has been linked to the open race for lieutenant governor.