Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Senate candidates spar on K-12 funding
Democratic challenger Nels Mitchell says Republican Sen. Jim Risch led Idaho schools on a “race to the bottom.”
Data security: Senate focuses on one bill
A student data security bill is headed to the Senate floor for review — and perhaps a revamping. Meanwhile, a bill surfaces to allow Idaho to preview questions on the state’s Common Core assessments.
Pre-K backers continue their push
Pre-K programs can better young people for a future in anything from high-tech college majors to the military, two early education advocacy groups said Tuesday.
JFAC leaves tech details on hold
Two small but contentious pieces of the $1.7 billion budget are unresolved — high school WiFi technology and the Schoolnet instructional management system.
Nampa names superintendent’s finalists
The public will have the chance to meet the superintendents’ finalists at a reception Monday evening.
Tech contract controversies: an outline
Two big contracts. A lot of moving parts. And big decisions for state officials. The Idaho Education Network broadband battle and the WiFi project controversy, explained.
Movement on the pre-K bill
A pre-K pilot bill will get its initial legislative hearing Monday. But as the session heads into its final weeks, the chances of passage would still appear to be remote.
Former ENA staffer on Otter’s campaign
In September, Martin Bilbao left Education Networks of America, a contractor that holds contentious school broadband and WiFi contracts. Bilbao joined Gov. Butch Otter’s campaign staff in October.
Broadband contract surprises lawmakers
The state extended the Idaho Education Network broadband contract through 2019 — a year ahead of schedule, the Spokane Spokesman-Review reported Tuesday.
Third party, Eynon in simmering feud
The state Constitution Party claims John Eynon remains in possession of a host of party records and internal documents. The former Constitution Party official is now running for state superintendent on the Republican ticket.