Kevin’s blog

McMillan mum on votes against K-12 budgets

Three-term Rep. Shannon McMillan, R-Silverton, refused to explain her votes to the Lewiston Tribune.

Do-over: Caldwell trustees hire superintendent

Once again, Caldwell trustees offered their superintendent’s job to Shalene French, human resources director of the Bonneville School District.

T-minus two days? Legislature nears adjournment

Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis says the 2016 Legislature could wrap up its work Wednesday. And at this point, K-12 issues are all but settled.

A.G.’s office: Scholarships to religious colleges may violate Constitution

The March 3 opinion seems to support a main argument for amending the “Blaine Amendment,” which prohibits the use of state dollars to support sectarian schools.

Responding to Ed News’ complaint, Caldwell admits open meeting violation

Trustees denied holding an illegal vote in a closed meeting. But they will revisit Saturday’s decision to hire a new superintendent.

Ybarra tables her proposal to boost leadership premiums

The $16.7 million program has come under scrutiny at the Statehouse, so Sherri Ybarra has dropped a proposal to boost funding by another $1 million.

Idaho senators oppose new education secretary

The U.S. Senate voted to confirm new Education Secretary John King. The vote was 49-40.

After the filings: 10 legislative races to watch

Let’s sort through this year’s filings and focus on a few intriguing legislative races.

UPDATE: School funding group cancels first meeting

The working group’s first meeting was pre-empted by a House floor session.

Kevin Richert

‘Blaine Amendment’ debate rekindled — sort of

The House and Senate education committees will hear a presentation on the amendment, which prohibits putting state dollars into religious schools.