Kevin’s blog

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

Durst resigning from Senate

Sen. Branden Durst has been splitting his time between his Boise legislative district and the Seattle area, where his wife works as a teacher. Local Democrats will now look for a successor.

Another levy in the works in Nampa?

The school board’s decision might come in December or January — and the levy might go to voters as early as March.

CDA district rethinks charter relationship

Coeur d’Alene Superintendent Matt Handelman says his district is subsidizing the Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy — so he is questioning whether the district should continue to serve as the academy’s authorizing body.

The most popular open seat in Idaho?

It could be secretary of state. Another legislator, Coeur d’Alene Republican Rep. Luke Malek, is giving the race a look.

Hunting for some political news?

Don’t look for a headline, at least not yet, from longtime Boise School Board member A J Balukoff. He says he’s a couple weeks away from making an announcement on a possible run for governor.

Luna hopeful for ‘heavy lift’ for K-12

In an interview with Idaho Public Television’s “Idaho Reports,” state superintendent Tom Luna says he is hopeful that the Legislature will make a down payment on the education task force recommendations.

A multistate cursive comeback

Idaho is one of at least seven states that are looking at requiring cursive handwriting instruction in the classroom.

Notes from the task force forum

What did task force members have to say about pre-K programs, improving Idaho’s postsecondary attendance rate — and Mississippi?

A preemptive strike on Common Core

With a letter to their colleagues, the chairmen of the Legislature’s education committees appear to be gearing up for a battle over the Idaho Core Standards.

A Steven Thayn mystery tour

The Emmett Republican senator says he has no designs on running for state superintendent. But he will be speaking next week in Coeur d’Alene, appearing with potential gubernatorial candidate Russell Fulcher.