Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Is Launch reaching a new group of graduates? It’s possible
Many Launch applicants have grade-point averages that fall below the statewide mean of 2.9, suggesting the program is connecting with students who wouldn’t normally consider college.
Dueling motions in the long-brewing Boise State-Big City Coffee case
Attorneys for Boise State University pushed for a dismissal, while Big City’s attorneys want to bring Boise State President Marlene Tromp back into the case, Erin Banks Rusby of Boise Dev reported Friday.
Election Night live blog (final)
INSIDE: A list of the 15 incumbents who lost Tuesday. Plus, one legislative race flipped in the middle of the night, and it’s potentially a big one for education.
Lee leaves Idaho to head Oregon’s community college system
Abby Lee, a 10-year state senator and 25-year Treasure Valley Community College employee, was named executive director of the Oregon Community College Association.
UPDATED: U of I president folds more than $7,000 into GOP legislative primaries
Several of the donations went to lawmakers who have sided with the U of I in its bid to buy the University of Phoenix.
UPDATED: IEA-funded group targets Horman over school choice
Right 2 Learn has received $90,000 from the Idaho Education Association’s political arm. The PAC has spent close to $70,000 in an attempt to oust state Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, the co-chair of the Legislature’s budget committee.
School choice PAC: Statehouse opponents are targets
“If you’re a candidate or lawmaker who opposes school choice – you’re a target,” an American Federation for Children director told Idaho Education News. The group has spent close to $228,000, mostly on negative campaigning.
State seeks answers about anti-Moyle PAC
Secretary of State Phil McGrane’s office wants Retire Career Politicians to register as an Idaho political committee by Tuesday. The written request came Thursday — the same day Idaho Education News asked McGrane’s office for information about the group.
IEA plans to keep its May endorsements hush-hush
Meanwhile, the union’s political arm contributed $50,000 to a Republican-led group opposing school choice measures.
State Board gives U of I go-ahead to begin housing expansion
The projects could cost $195 million over three years. The first phase, for planning and design, has a $12 million price tag.