Kevin’s blog

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

FCC approves school WiFi plan

The plan will put $1 billion a year into school and library WiFi systems — and could ultimately affect close to 260,000 Idaho students.

Upon further review, North Gem bond fails

After a recount, a $4.8 million bond issue fell one vote shy of the needed two-thirds supermajority. The Southeast Idaho district plans to try again in November.

Nampa ratifies contract — quickly

It took until mid-February for the Nampa School District to wrap up a 2013-14 contract. This year, it’s been a different story.

Will school tax credit survive in 2015?

Lawmakers will have to decide next session whether to renew Idaho’s Education Tax Credit.

Questions still surround State Board vacancies

The State Board of Education has two vacancies — one dating back to November. Is Gov. Butch Otter getting closer to making appointments?

Looking beyond the tech pilots

The next superintendent of public instruction will need to figure out what to do about rolling out technology in the state’s public and charter schools.

Video: Idaho Reports, 6.27.14

Talking about the fallout from the conventions, to a preview of the fall elections, on this week’s “Idaho Reports.”

Candidates spar on Hobby Lobby, plus …

The back-and-forth between Gov. Butch Otter and challenger A.J. Balukoff also touched on K-12 funding and Propositions 1, 2 and 3.

Cronin: ‘No time to be complacent’

Boise’s normally low-key school board elections are officially under way, with former state Rep. Brian Cronin firing out the first news release of the summer campaign.

Lawmaker joins Balukoff team, temporarily

Boise Democratic Rep. Mat Erpelding will serve as spokesman for the A.J. Balukoff campaign through July, while spokesman Mike Lanza is on leave.