Kevin’s blog

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

Hechinger takes closer look at pre-K in Idaho, and Idaho City

A $5 million Idaho pre-K bill is on the drawing board, according to the New York-based Hechinger Report. No bill is likely to surface this legislative session.

Twin Falls names finalists for superintendent

Patrons will have a chance to meet the three finalists on March 31. Trustees hope to select a new superintendent on April 3.

Dietrich superintendent to step down; judge faces investigation

The separate developments came after a former Dietrich football player was sentenced to probation and community service in connection with the sexual assault of a teammate.

Boise bond issue campaign heats up

An opposition group is urging voters to reject Boise’s $172.5 million bond issue proposal, the Idaho Statesman reported this week.

Tuesday’s school elections: Some last-minute links

Get informed before a busy day of school elections across Idaho.

What could a Trump education budget look like?

President Trump’s plan to boost defense spending could force a 10 percent cut in federal education funding, Education Week reported this week. Idaho received $264.3 million in federal funding for K-12 in 2016-17.

Analysis: The Legislature’s wait-and-see session

It’s been an unusual year around the Statehouse. And this session could leave some key K-12 issues in limbo.

Two chances to learn about school elections — and education politics

Here are two ways to get up to speed on the March 14 school elections in the Treasure Valley — and the politics of the 2017 legislative session.

Listen: A conversation on school bonds with Stan Olson

Financing the Future continued: The retired Boise school superintendent looks back on the 2006 bond issue — and talks about the politics of passing a bond issue election.

AP: School officials led investigation in Dietrich assault case

District Superintendent Ben Hardcastle gathered key evidence, interviewed suspects and potential witnesses, and waited four days before notifying the sheriff’s department of the attack, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.