Kevin’s blog

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

Hagerman to join list of four-day schools

The Magic Valley school district will switch to a four-day schedule this fall — in hopes of reversing an enrollment decline.

Crapo, Risch support rural schools funding bill

The two-year extension will fund a program worth $7.2 million to Idaho schools in 2013-14.

McCall-Donnelly hires new superintendent

Jim Foudy had been McCall-Donnelly’s interim superintendent since December, when Glen Szymoniak left the district under unexplained circumstances.

Want Otter’s final word on the 2015 session? Wait until Thursday

Education issues may not a talking point — but the fate of a child-support bill will almost certainly be a focal point.

Analysis: Of ISATs, child support and federal dollars

The specter of a federal funding loss was a big factor in the Madison district’s ISAT decision. But not a deciding factor in a surprising vote on a child support enforcement bill.

Video: Making the Grade, 4.8.15

This week, we talk about the new anti-bullying law — and Idaho’s declining kindergarten enrollment numbers.

Where have the kindergartners gone?

Enrollment numbers are down, in Boise and across the state. And Boise Superintendent Don Coberly has a theory.

Ybarra announces another hire in media team

Jeff Church, Sherri Ybarra’s new chief communications officer, has been with the State Department of Education for nearly three years.

Lawmaker mum on K-12 budget, career ladder votes

Only one House member voted against six of the seven K-12 budgets that passed Monday. And she isn’t talking.

Charter group makes push for veto override

At issue is a $1.7 million bill to cover the costs that follow transfer students. Gov. Butch Otter vetoed the bill last week.