Kevin’s blog

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

Education Week: Secure Rural Schools endowment faces long odds

Senators from Idaho and Oregon are pushing a bill to create a permanent endowment to fund schools in timber country. The price tag: a one-time payment of $7.1 billion.

Superintendent Ybarra’s schedule: Jan. 3-5

The short work week is heavy with ceremony, as the state superintendent begins her second term in office.

Dennis: ‘I promise you we will care about your kid’

In a three-minute video message, Boise’s newly hired superintendent promised a smooth transition in the state’s second-largest district, and a full range of learning opportunities for students.

After recount, CWI levy still falls short of passage

College officials could take another run at the health science building proposal in May.

Superintendent Ybarra’s schedule: Dec. 17-20

Ybarra will meet Tuesday afternoon with Gov.-elect Brad Little.

Twin Falls to seek increased supplemental levy

The district will seek $10 million over two years. The current $4.25 million-a-year levy expires in June.

Tax collections continue to fall short of projections

Lawmakers will face a dilemma in January. They will have to predict the future — and decide whether they expect sluggish income tax collections to rebound.