Kevin’s blog

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

Business groups endorse Boise bond issue

The Boise district is seeking a $172.5 million bond issue on March 14.

Labrador supports mothballing U.S. Education Department

Rep. Raul Labrador is among seven Republican co-sponsors of a bill to eliminate the department on Dec. 31, 2018.

DeVos overstates grad rates for IDVA, other virtual schools

President Trump’s choice for education secretary listed Idaho’s largest charter as having a graduation rate at 90 percent but it is actually 35.5 percent.

Crapo says he will support DeVos nomination

Crapo’s Friday announcement comes as the controversial education secretary nominee faces a razor-thin Senate vote — and possibly an historic vote.

Boise spends $11,400 on bond issue voter information

The district says it vetted its mailer with legal counsel and has received no complaints. “We are allowed under the law to present factual information to the public,” spokesman Dan Hollar said.

DeVos nomination clears Senate committee

President Trump’s controversial nomination for education secretary passed on a 12-11 party-line vote. But two committee Republicans aren’t sure they will back Betsy DeVos on the Senate floor.

Lawmakers get a tutorial in rewriting school funding formulas

‘You want to build a system that lasts,’ a national expert told lawmakers Monday. That’s easier said than done.

U of I research digs deeper into college ‘go-on’ gender gap

Young men who place a premium of finding a job they love are less likely to attend college than young women who share the same view, according to research released Monday.

Analysis: Now, the tough budget decisions fall to lawmakers

Legislative budget-writers will have to settle the teacher evaluations battle and address rising insurance costs. That means they’ll have to side with Gov. Butch Otter or state superintendent Sherri Ybarra.