Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Budget blowback: What does it signal?
Two State Board of Education members took Tom Luna’s K-12 budget to task last week, saying public schools could benefit at higher education’s expense. This could be a foreshadowing of future budget battles.
Fulcher positioning to challenge Otter
Citing Gov. Butch Otter’s support of a state-run health insurance exchange, state Sen. Russell Fulcher of Meridian has filed paperwork for a possible run in May’s Republican gubernatorial primary.
Idaho politicos attend Jeb Bush ed summit
Eleven Idaho politicians are in Boston this week, attending a national education summit hosted by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. See who made the trip.
FFA funding request: some perspective
The Idaho FFA is seeking a $2.24 million increase from the 2014 Legislature. The state now puts about $1.2 million into ag education programs —although school districts pick up the bulk of the funding.
Boise enrollment up more than 500
After years of stagnant enrollment, the Boise School District has more students than it has seen since 2004-05 — near the end of the Treasure Valley’s economic boom.
Wednesday politics roundup: waiting game
What’s the latest in the races for governor and secretary of state? Here’s what the (possible) candidates are saying.
Endowment: Some canyon cash is in hand
The state has $943,000 in hand from Texas motorcycle daredevil “Big Ed” Beckley, who is looking to jump the Snake River Canyon. An the state may try to hang onto the money, even if Beckley’s stunt proves to be a no-go.
A Tuesday morning elections roundup
State Controller Brandon Woolf files for a full term in office. And could the 2014 Republican primary be the party’s busiest in decades?
Cost of P.E. proposal raises concerns
Supporters say the increased physical education requirements will help combat obesity rates. But some school administrators say their current budgets are too lean to take on the mandate.
FFA seeks boost in state funding
Enrollment is increasing in state ag education programs — but so is teacher turnover. The Idaho FFA week seek a funding boost from the 2014 Legislature.