Kevin’s blog

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

Video: Making the Grade, 5.27.15

This week’s topics: Homedale’s transition to a four-day calendar, the discrimination complaint against charter schools — and more.

Caldwell trustee candidate will contest result

Toni Waters lost by four votes in last week’s trustee’s race, but five voters improperly cast ballots.

State names new teacher certification head

Lisa Colon will be the state’s new teacher certification/Professional Standards Commission director, succeeding Taylor Raney.

State slashes data collection requirements

The state is dropping the extensive — and cumbersome — monthly reports into its longitudinal data system.

Complaint alleges discrimination in charter school admissions

The report comes less than a month after the state acknowledged demographic gaps in charter school enrollment.

Geddes named to head Administration Department

The former state senator will head the agency at the heart of the Idaho Education Network broadband project fiasco.

Winder tries to get out the vote … for something

In an email, the state senator urges supporters to approve a bond issue — that passed two months ago.

Who’s on the Legislature’s broadband committee?

The 10-person panel is heavy with budget expertise — with five members serving on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.

IEA involved in Gooding trustee races

Union representatives met with three challengers in Gooding’s crowded board elections, the Twin Falls Times-News reported Friday.

Ten Idaho schools earn U.S. News and World Report ‘medals’

Idaho’s top-ranked high school: Renaissance High School, a “school of choice” operated by the West Ada district.