Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
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.
ISBA: Knife bill ‘took us by surprise’
The school boards association wants language that would allow local districts to regulate knives on school grounds.
Boise Democrats writing K-12 budget counterproposal
Reps. John Gannon and Phylis King say their plan would bring schools closer to pre-recession spending levels.
Parental rights bill heads for Senate rewrite
Two bills, both asserting parental rights in education, are under consideration in the Senate.
JFAC zeroes out Idaho Education Network budget
The broadband contract turmoil should not prevent any seniors from completing graduation requirements, according to new data.