Kevin’s blog

Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.

Superintendent Ybarra’s schedule: June 3-7

The first meeting of Gov. Brad Little’s K-12 task force punctuates state superintendent Sherri Ybarra’s weekly schedule.

West Ada principal placed on unpaid leave

A court order restricts Star Middle School Principal Tony Nelson from being in the presence of minors, the Idaho Statesman reported. Nelson faces two felony counts of injury to a child.

Blaine County critics plan ‘leadership crisis meetup’

An unusual bipartisan political coalition have agreed to attend — but only to listen. Organizers hope local patrons will lay out specific concerns about the Blaine County School District and its leadership.

Lawmaker on ‘Redskins’ mascot: ‘Tradition is important’

“I am fed up with political correctness and oversensitivity!” Rep. Chad Christensen wrote on his Facebook page Saturday. Trustees will take public comment on Teton High School’s mascot in July.

Superintendent Ybarra’s schedule: May 28-29

Ybarra has no calendar items for Thursday or Friday, according to the schedule released by her office. Ybarra’s office was closed Monday for Memorial Day.

Maine is poised to tighten its vaccination opt-out laws

The bill would allow parents to opt out of vaccinations only on medical grounds. Idaho has one of the nation’s highest opt-out rates — driven largely by religious exemptions.

New yardstick, similar results: Idaho’s school spending lags

When school spending is measured in relation to wealth — and calculated per $1,000 of personal income — Idaho ranks No. 46 nationally.

CWI trustees give president a contract extension and a raise

The decision comes barely a month after the head of the College of Western Idaho’s faculty Senate said the body had no confidence in Bert Glandon’s leadership.