Kevin’s blog
VIDEO: Making the grade, 4.1.15
Kevin Richert talks with Michelle Edmonds of KIVI and KNIN about the school budget, and a public spat between U.S. Reps. Raul Labrador and Mike Simpson.
Simpson, Labrador split vote on rural schools funding
The Secure Rural Schools program brought $7.2 million into Idaho schools in 2013-14. Rep. Mike Simpson supported an extension; Rep. Raul Labrador opposed it.
Video: Making the Grade, 3.25.15
Lots of topics this week: Idaho’s low teacher pay rankings, the Schoolnet debacle and the Madison School District’s SBAC opt-out plans.
Ybarra aide blasts Luna over Schoolnet contract
“We can count. … And we can calculate. … And we can spell.” A top aide to Sherri Ybarra pledges to fix Schoolnet problems.
Education groups oppose highway funding plan
Three prominent Idaho education groups are banding together to oppose diverting dollars from school spending to highway projects.
Analysis: The career ladder becomes a ‘feel-good’ bill
On Friday, the career ladder bill had the look of a done deal — and the ‘going-home bill’ that closes the 2015 legislative session.
Otter, Hill, Bedke throw support behind career ladder
The joint news release was issued Friday morning, as the House Education Committee started a crucial hearing on the teacher pay plan.
Pre-K pilot bill will make an appearance Monday
The House Education Committee will consider the idea Monday, but its prospects for passage in 2015 would appear to be grim.
Of salamanders and diapers …
In a quick about-face, the House State Affairs Committee has endorsed a Boise eighth-grader’s bill honoring the Idaho giant salamander.
In JFAC, the K-12 budget vigil continues
It’s still unclear when the committee will write a public schools budget.