Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
State surplus projected at $64.5 million
It’s two months into the 2016-17 budget year, but it looks like a robust surplus could be waiting for legislators when they convene in January.
Nampa contract talks head to mediation
Salaries are a key sticking point. District and union negotiators are about $1 million apart.
West Ada puts class accounts on hold, temporarily
The accounts are on hold, the Meridian Press reported, while the West Ada district makes sure it complies with a recent court ruling on student fees.
K-12 funding: 86 Idaho districts have lost ground since 2006
When school budgets are adjusted for inflation, about three in four districts have lost ground since 2006. See how your district fared.
Suspect pleads not guilty in Dietrich sexual assault
John R.K. Howard, now of Keller, Texas, faces a felony count in a grisly assault case that has attracted national media attention.
Amid police investigation, Filer school staffers placed on leave
District Superintendent John Graham appears to be one of the employees on leave, the Twin Falls Times-News reported Friday.
Felony charge dropped in Dietrich student rape case
Prosecutors asked a judge to drop the felony charge. Tanner Ward still faces an undisclosed charge in juvenile court.
Boise elections: Oppenheimer, Walker hold fundraising edge
The two challengers have garnered some prominent backing ahead of the Sept. 6 Boise trustee elections.
Have your say about Idaho’s school funding formula
When legislators meet in Boise Tuesday, they will take public comment on the state’s convoluted and controversial school funding formula.
Legislative auditors close case on Guthrie and Perry
Auditors say Rep. Christy Perry’s expense reports checked out, but they found one possible discrepancy in Sen. Jim Guthrie’s reports.