Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Two tech systems, one audit
As the Legislature looks to wrap up its year’s work, auditors could get $90,000 for a two-pronged assignment: taking a closer look at the state’s new WiFi system and its high school broadband network.
Governor signs strategic planning bill
An annual school strategic plan represents one of 20 recommendations from Gov. Butch Otter’s education task force.
Lawmaker: K-12 budget a ‘dismal failure’
The proposed K-12 budget still lags behind the original 2008-09 budget by $43 million. And the budget fails to keep up with enrollment increases, rising health insurance costs and other variables, says state Rep. John Gannon, D-Boise.
FINAL elections filings (3.14.14, 6:36 p.m.)
For Idaho political junkies, March Madness is done and the candidate brackets are filled. Take a look at who’s running for what.
Lanza joins Balukoff campaign
Mike Lanza co-founded a group that pushed for the defeat of Propositions 1, 2 and 3. He will serve as gubernatorial candidate A.J. Balukoff’s spokesman and education adviser.
Parental rights, evaluation bills likely dead
The parental rights bill and the teacher evaluation bills both passed the House last week, but they’re unlikely to get a hearing in the Senate.
IEA: Many districts near ‘tipping point’
Patrons in 35 school districts approved school tax levies Tuesday, but many of these communities are “stretched extremely thin financially,” Idaho Education Association President Penni Cyr said Wednesday.
Legislative candidates: K-12 connections
Here’s a rundown — so far — or teachers or school administrators running for Legislature.
Balukoff: JFAC school budget falls short
The Democratic gubernatorial candidate also says Gov. Butch Otter has shortchanged recommendations from his own education reform task force.
Video vault: Three Monday links
Want to learn a little more about the K-12 budget, the Idaho Core Standards rollout, and the Meridian school levy? Tune in here.