Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Closing a charter: boon or burden?
If the Meridian School District decides to close North Star Charter School, some $4 million of funding is up for grabs. What happens to the money? The answer hinges on timing.
Labrador, Simpson back reversal of NCLB
The bill to reverse much of the 2002 No Child Left Behind law passed the House on nearly a party-line vote. It faces an uncertain future in the Senate, and President Obama has threatened a veto.
Special education lawsuit heads to trial
Did the Boise and Meridian school districts fail a teen-ager with Asberger’s syndrome? That’s the crux of a case that opened this week in U.S. District Court.
NEA confirms drop in membership
According to numbers presented at a National Education Association conference this month, union membership is down nationally, and in almost every state. In Idaho, the one-year drop was 14.3 percent.
Task force members discuss career ladder
The plan would increase starting teacher pay to $40,000, boost pay at the top end of the salary schedule, and provide leadership awards to teachers. The cost: $35 million to $43 million per year.
Endowment watch: Cabin site auction delayed
The auctions of three parcels along North Idaho’s Priest Lake are designed to give the state a better gauge of the value of undeveloped summer cabin sites.
A changing tone in Coeur d’Alene
In the Coeur d’Alene School District, district and union officials are still working on a 2013-14 contract. But the gap between the two sides is narrowing.
The governor’s race: reading the tea leaves
Is Rep. Raul Labrador raising money like somebody planning to challenge incumbent Gov. Butch Otter? Not really, according to one political observer.
Does anybody need a free computer?
Have you ever wondered what becomes of surplus office equipment around the state Department of Education? Well, now you know.
Remaining Redskins: Name change on hold
After an emotional and one-sided public hearing, Teton district Superintendent Monte Woolstenhulme is putting the brakes on his proposal to change Teton High School’s nickname.