Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
WiFi deal: State downplays discrepancy
In initial media reports — and in its own request for bids — state superintendent Tom Luna’s office erroneously said that more than 300 schools could qualify for WiFi hookups. But the department said the error did not affect the overall price of the controversial project.
CDA board approves core curricula
It happened on a narrow, 3-2 vote, but the Coeur d’Alene School Board gave its blessing to curricula tied to the controversial Idaho Core Standards.
Star ratings: the poverty factor
The latest round of school “star ratings,” issued last week, illustrate a longstanding issue. Schools with higher poverty rates tend to be lower-performing schools.
The WiFi contract issue: catching up
Missed the latest on the WiFi contract story — from late Friday afternoon and over the weekend? Here’s the latest.
Idaho Ed News: Our take on what we do
On Saturday, the Idaho Statesman published a guest opinion from Idaho Education News’ staff. Here’s what we had to say — and what we’re planning for the future.
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.