Kevin’s blog

Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.

Thayn opposes Common Core assessment

The conservative Republican lawmaker agrees with several school district superintendents — and says the lengthy, computer-based assessment should be put on hold.

The ever-growing secretary of state’s race

By day’s end, four Republicans will be in the running to succeed retiring Secretary of State Ben Ysursa.

Nampa faces complex levy decisions

The questions facing the state’s third largest school district tie directly into the budget decisions that will play out during the 2014 legislative session.

Charter expansion concerns N. Idaho district

Enrollment at the North Idaho STEM Charter Academy could more than double within nine years. The local school district says that shift could have a significant hit on its budget.

New Plymouth schools chief runs for House

New Plymouth Superintendent Ryan Kerby has filed paperwork for a possible run for the Idaho House of Representatives, for the spot now held by former House Speaker Lawerence Denney.

Luna questions K-12 endowment payouts

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna says the state’s endowment strategy may be shortchanging current students.

Nampa will (just) talk levy Tuesday

The Nampa School Board will hold a public meeting Tuesday night to discuss a possible supplemental property tax levy. But no public comment will be taken, and no decisions will be made.

One more secretary of state’s candidate

This one is Pocatello Republican Evan Frasure, who served in the Legislature from 1990 to 2002. He says his experience teaching high school government and civics is a selling point.

Levies and bonds: looking at the trends

In the wake of the Great Recession, more than 30 school districts have added supplemental property tax levies to help make ends meet.

Nampa levy: a question of confidence

After a series of unsavory headlines about financial bungling, the state’s third-largest district may have no recourse but to go back to voters seeking a property tax levy.