Kevin’s blog

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

Lewiston isn’t giving up on schools sales tax

Delegates at the Idaho School Boards Association’s convention rejected the local-option sales tax proposal Friday.

School board members want labor laws kept on the books

The laws are remnants of the failed Proposition 1. It will be up to the 2015 Legislature to keep them in place.

School broadband flap: two quick hits

The latest on the rising cost of the Idaho Education Network lawsuit — and the possible effects on one rural high school.

Closing remarks: Luna makes pitch for tiered licensure

In his last speech to school administrators, state superintendent Tom Luna pushes for the controversial teacher licensing overhaul.

Syringa urges state to rebid broadband contract

A district judge sided with Syringa Networks Monday, voiding Idaho’s $60 million high school broadband contract.

Otter: Stakeholders need to preserve broadband system

The school broadband network is a ‘valuable service’ that needs to stay online, Gov. Butch Otter said Tuesday, after a judge voided the system’s contract.

Ybarra’s social media non-presence

Want to get in touch with the state superintendent-elect? It doesn’t look like you’ll find her on Facebook and Twitter these days.

Coeur d’Alene facing teacher shortage

The state’s sixth-largest district is searching for special education and substitute teachers, and has other lingering vacancies.

Analysis: With a GOP rout, history repeats itself

Was the resounding defeat of Propositions 1, 2 and 3 a one-off, or a political aberration? Tuesday’s results suggest it.

Post-election showdown: dueling Ybarra Twitter parodies

Politics in the Twitter age: Dueling parody accounts surface one day after Sherri Ybarra’s election as state superintendent.