Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
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?
More details, tidbits on the WiFi contract
How many schools are eligible to get WiFi service, under a controversial state contract? What’s the timetable? And how were bids graded? Answers to these questions — and a few more.
The WiFi contract: a Friday roundup
Did the state pass over a lower bid on the WiFi contract? How many high schools want to hook up with the state’s service? And what are Tom Luna’s political foes saying about the deal? Read on for answers.
The WiFi contractor’s election money trail
Education Networks of America has contributed money to a virtual who’s who list of Statehouse political figures. Here’s a detailed breakdown.
Lawmakers blast multiyear wireless deal
State superintendent Tom Luna will award the 15-year high school campus WiFi contract on Wednesday, Betsy Russell of the Spokane Spokesman-Review reported Tuesday. Key legislators say they never signed off on a multiyear deal.
Huffington Post: Labrador eyes run for governor
Citing an unnamed source, a Huffington Post writer strongly suggests Rep. Raul Labrador will leave Congress to oppose Gov. Butch Otter in the 2014 GOP primary. Labrador still isn’t talking.