Kevin’s blog

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

Video: ‘Making the Grade,’ 1.13.16

This week’s topics: Gov. Butch Otter’s K12 budget request, and the West Ada School District’s decision to dump student class fees.

Broadband legal bills climb, again …

Still in dispute: More than $930,000 in legal fees the state may owe to Syringa Networks, the company that successfully sued to overturn the Idaho Education Network contract.

Powdered alcohol ban proposed

The state’s Liquor Division is worried that “Palcohol” could be smuggled into school cafeterias or sporting events.

West Ada trustees drop class fees

Trustees also agree to a contract with newly hired Superintendent Mary Ann Ranells.

At-risk behaviors — and a common thread

The state’s annual Youth Risk Behavior Survey yields some startling numbers about drug and alcohol use, sexual behavior and bullying.

Blaine votes — again — to extend superintendent’s contract

A divided school board approved a three-year extension, paying GwenCarol Holmes $173,880 per year.

West Ada trustees to revisit class fees

Tuesday’s discussion comes after a November district court ruling that declared the fees unconstitutional.

U of I study digs into state’s middling go-on rate

Why do some high school graduates go straight to college? Why do some graduates say no to college?

Video: ‘Making the Grade,’ 1.6.16

This week’s topics: the future of the SBAC, state superintendent Sherri Ybarra’s legislative agenda and Idaho’s growing supplemental school levy bill.