Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Governor’s race rumor mill: AJ Balukoff?
The 16-year veteran of the Boise School Board says he is flattered by the suggestion. But he says he won’t decide about whether to run for governor until later in the year.
Meridian will return to the bargaining table
Days after declaring an impasse and issuing 2013-14 contracts, the Meridian School District agrees to reopen labor negotiations — somewhat.
Has Crapo gone soft on Common Core?
Has Idaho’s senior senator changed his views on the controversial academic standards? In April, Crapo deferred to state leaders who support the standards. On Wednesday, Crapo called the Obama administration’s push for Common Core ‘alarming,’ and a possible step to nationalize the school system.
A new STEM school, with star appeal
The Barbara Morgan STEM Academy will serve 430 kindergartners through fifth-graders in the Meridian School District. It’s slated to open in the fall.
An unclaimed $6 million for Idaho schools
The Idaho School Boards Association is trying to drum up local interest in a federal program that provides interest-free loans to districts. Idaho schools are using a little more then $2 million from the program this year.
Two dueling meetings slated in Nampa
While a new-look Nampa School Board gets down to business Tuesday night, the local teachers’ union will hold a “tailgate party” to discuss stalled contract negotiations.
New evaluations remain on schedule
The federal government is giving Idaho and other states until 2016-17 to launch evaluation systems tied to classroom performance. But state superintendent Tom Luna wants Idaho to roll out its new system in 2013-14.
Declo bullying case not closed (UPDATED)
Fourth-grade teacher Summer Larsen allowed students to scribble on the faces of classmates who failed to reach reading goals. The incident drew national attention — and remains under investigation.
The governor’s race: Labrador isn’t talking
A few months ago, 1st Congressional District Rep. Raul Labrador said he’d make his political plans known by midyear. Now, he says an announcement is still a couple months away.
Union calls impasse ‘unnecessary and hostile’
Hours after the Meridian School Board issued teacher contracts and pulled the plug on 2013-14 negotiations, the head of the local teachers’ union called the move a ‘heavyhanded power play.’