Kevin’s blog

State drops case against Dietrich teacher

Tim McDaniel, a veteran science teacher in this small Magic Valley community, faced a series of complaints from parents. One parent complained that McDaniel used the word “vagina” while teaching sex education.

Common Core: Is a battle brewing?

Some legislators may well take a run at derailing the Idaho Core Standards next session. But a revolt might not find any traction in the Statehouse’s education committees.

The ‘O’ word of the day …

Say this much for Democratic gubernatorial candidate A.J. Balukoff: He has Gov. Butch Otter and GOP challenger Russ Fulcher singing from the same hymn book.

Bleak house? Raffle organizer files claim

Philip Allaire proposed staging a series of raffles to help the Nampa School District wipe out $4 million in shortfalls. The state lottery says the online raffle violates state law.

Group: 26 states boost pre-K funding

Idaho is one of only nine states that doesn’t fund pre-K, according to the Denver-based Education Commission of the States.

Secretary of state: one less candidate

Sen. Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian, says he has decided to stay put.

Balukoff: a likely gubernatorial candidate?

The official announcement will come Tuesday. But the tea leaves strongly suggest that A.J. Balukoff, a 16-year Boise School Board veteran, will run for governor on the Democratic Party ticket.

‘Tis the season — for WiFi hookups?

Some school officials and IT managers will be working during the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, as a contractor tries to roll out WiFi in some 200 schools across Idaho.