Kevin’s blog
Building a ‘highway:’ Boise opts for WiFi deal
The Boise School District opposed Proposition 3, the school technology law rejected by voters in November. But the district has signed onto one remnant idea from the law: taking part in a state-provided WiFi network.
Nampa union leader takes Boise job
Nampa Education Association President Mandy Simpson is leaving the state’s third-largest district, for a job in the Boise School District. “I can’t afford to stay in the Nampa School District,” Simpson said in an email to fellow union members.
The campaign money trail: an early look
Who was Gov. Butch Otter’s biggest campaign benefactor this year? And how much — or how little — has state superintendent Tom Luna collected this year? The latest campaign finance reports yield some interesting answers.
Districts prevail in special education lawsuit
In the federal lawsuit, the Boise and Meridian school districts were accused of failing to teach a student the proper strategies to cope with Asperger’s syndrome. After 6 1/2 hours of deliberation, jurors sided with the districts.
Today’s WiFi contract reading roundup
An unsuccessful bidder for the state’s WiFi contract talks about its proposal. And former state Rep. Steve Smylie speaks out, criticizing state superintendent and fellow Republican Tom Luna.
Superintendent race: the rumor mill spins
State superintendent Tom Luna says he’s running for a third term. Chief deputy-in-waiting Roger Quarles says he isn’t planning to run. State Sen. Branden Durst, D-Boise, isn’t buying it; he argues that the game is afoot.
Coeur d’Alene rejects state WiFi service
Today’s WiFi roundup. One of the state’s largest school districts decides to buy its service from a local contractor. And is the state raiding education reform money to finance the controversial contract?
Otter sides with WiFi contract critics
Five days after Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna signed a controversial WiFi contract, Gov. Butch Otter has broken his silence. “It’s not necessarily how I would have done it.”
State Board passes on charter appeal (UPDATED)
The dispute between the financially strapped North Star Charter School and the Meridian School District is headed back to the local school board — at least for the time being.
Will legislators revisit Common Core?
The House and Senate education committees endorsed Common Core in 2011. But in the face of vocal opposition, will the 2014 Legislature take another look at the standards — even while schools are teaching to them?