Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Video: Making The Grade, 6.11.14
A lot of topics in this week’s segment — from teacher contracts to the Boise school budget to the Kuna recall and Meridian bond issue.
Meridian sets August bond issue
The state’s largest school district will seek $104 million on Aug. 26.
Boise signs on (a little) with Silverback
The Boise company will help the district track its English language learners.
Idaho K-12 cuts: more grim statistics
Idaho’s recession-era K-12 cuts were the most severe in the nation, according to a blogger at ESPN’s FiveThirtyEight.com site.
North Star charter restructures debt
The high-performing but cash-strapped Eagle charter school believes the deal ensures its financial health for decades to come.
Poll: Otter holds 14-point advantage
Republican Butch Otter had 50 percent support in the telephone survey conducted by the conservative-leaning Rasmussen Reports. Democrat A.J. Balukoff trailed with 36 percent.
New trustee faces conflict of interest issue
Richard Roberts, appointed to the Blaine County school board May 27, is transferring his 8-year-old son to a charter school.
Kuna recall drive clears another hurdle
If trustee Michael Law decides to fight the recall, voters will decide the issue on Aug. 26. Law was a vocal critic of a two-year, $6.38 million school levy, which passed on May 20.
Bruneau district looks to consolidate
The district will close two elementary schools and move all grades into Rimrock Senior-Junior High School. The move comes after two failed attempts to pass a $1.2 million levy.
Legislative lands committee lawyers up
Lawmakers have hired their own attorney to press the case for transferring federal lands to the states. Legal fees are approaching $42,000, according to the Associated Press.