Kevin’s blog

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

Dump the bond issue supermajority? Idahoans divided on the idea

Forty-four percent of respondents say school bond issues should be settled by a simple majority vote, according to a survey released Monday by Idaho Politics Weekly.

Video: Making the Grade, 9.23.15

This week’s topics: Jeb Bush’s connections with the Idaho mastery movement, labor negotiations in Nampa — and more.

Nampa reaches tentative labor agreement

Idaho’s third-largest district is walking away from the state’s new teacher career ladder plan — for this year.

Stars and barred: Trustees ban confederate flag

A COSSA Academy student will not be allowed to display the confederate flag on his car. School officials call it a gang symbol.

Ybarra gets a schooling in grammar

A writer with a Spokane, Wash., alternative weekly edits the state superintendent’s recent guest opinion.

Video: ‘Making the Grade,’ 9.16.15

This week’s topics: the latest flap over West Ada superintendent Linda Clark’s contract, free lunches in schools — and more.

Nampa trustees approve emergency levy

The biggest line item in the $478,000 levy: hiring teacher’s aides for overcrowded elementary classrooms.

Video: ‘Making the Grade,’ 9.9.15

This week’s topics: kindergarten vaccination rates, school levies and our interview with Capital High School government teacher/state Board of Correction member Cindy Wilson.

Growth and taxes: Today’s school levy roundup

One district will collect an emergency levy to address growth. A second decides against it. A third will take more time to mull the issue.

Levies: Nampa sets election, other districts OK emergency levy

Nampa will go to voters Nov. 3 to seek a two-year, $15.56 million supplemental property tax levy.