Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Ex-Ybarra aide to head Idaho college savings program
Marilyn Whitney will be the new executive director for IDeal, Idaho’s 529 College Savings Program. The tax-advantage program has served more than 60,000 Idaho families.
NIC’s interim president has a contract through June 2024
Acting president Greg South will be paid $235,000 annually to head the embattled community college. President Nick Swayne remains on paid administrative leave, receiving $230,000 per year. These combined salaries eclipse the presidents’ pay at any of Idaho’s four-year school.
Suspect in U of I student slayings agrees to extradition
It’s not immediately clear when Bryan Kohberger will be transported from a Pennsylvania jail to stand trial in Idaho.
‘This is the news we have been waiting for:’ Green statement on arrest in U of I student slayings
“While we cannot bring back Maddie, Kaylee, Xana and Ethan, we can thoughtfully and purposefully carry their legacy forward in the work we do,” University of Idaho President C. Scott Green said in a memo to students and employees Friday.
Divided NIC board picks an acting president
The short-term hire comes as a regional review board is raising new questions about NIC’s accreditation status — in part because of leadership flux at the college. NIC must respond in writing to accreditors by Jan. 4.
Video: ‘Idaho Reports,’ 12.16.22
Miss this week’s “Idaho Reports?” Catch up here.
UPDATED: Little calls NIC mess ‘unfortunate,’ but says state has limited oversight role
“By statute, Idaho community colleges are governed by locally elected boards of trustees, not the State Board of Education,” the board said in a statement sent to Idaho Education News Wednesday. “(The State Board) does not have authority over general governance of the college.”
About those false fire alarms at NIC …
The first false alarm at Saturday’s board meeting was pulled deliberately, the Coeur d’Alene Press reported. The second false alarm was accidental, and occurred when a worker tried to reset the alarm.
NIC still wrestling with presidential vacuum
During an unruly three-hour meeting Saturday afternoon, trustees read a letter from former interim President Michael Sebaaly, in which the former wrestling coach said he had no interest in returning on an acting basis.
Former legislator Hy Kloc passes away
The son of Holocaust survivors moved to Idaho in 2000 and served in the Legislature from 2012 to 2018. The House Education Committee member was a leading advocate for pre-K.