News

The latest and breaking news and investigative reports about Idaho public education.

Nampa trustees agree to negotiate clerk’s contract

Krissy LaMont’s request to be paid $72,000 annually as the board’s part-time clerk drew heated debate among patrons and teachers.

Time capsule takes former elementary students and teachers back 22 years

Leaders at Washington Elementary opened a trove of objects — and memories — students and teachers buried their over two decades ago. Photo gallery inside.

Statehouse roundup, 2.28.22: Education savings account proposal draws deep roster of testifiers

The bill would allow families to spend up to $5,950 in state funds on their child’s private school tuition and fees.

Ex-boss warns trustees she would not recommend contracting with their new clerk

Former Idaho School Boards Association Executive Director Karen Echeverria sent a scathing email to Nampa trustees, saying Krissy LaMont wrongly used a recommendation letter.

Statehouse roundup, 2.25.22: Senate passes rural teacher incentives bill

In other news, a divided House passes a $1 million budget for school arts grants.

Analysis: Will all-day kindergarten pass this year? It’s complicated.

Many lawmakers seem ready to fund all-day kindergarten, but they can’t seem to decide what it should look like. The Senate Education Committee could work on the issue Monday.

Statehouse roundup, 2.24.22: House Ed backs drug testing for subs in narrow vote

Sponsor Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, said substitute teaching “is a very easy way to access children and sell drugs to them,” and argued a testing mandate could help cut off drug trafficking into schools.

Idaho Senate lambasts critical race theory, ‘divisive’ teachings in resolution

SCR 118 denounces “divisive content … appearing in school curriculum across that nation” that “seeks to disregard the history of the United Stated and the nation’s journey to becoming a pillar of freedom in the world.”

Statehouse roundup, 2.23.22: Empowering Parents Grants bill heads to governor’s desk

In other news Wednesday, a new bill emerges to prohibit students from joining school clubs without their parents’ consent.

Statehouse roundup, 2.22.22: Divided budget committee OK’s education grant program

Legislative budget-writers agreed to put $50 million into the Empowering Parents Grants program. But Tuesday’s deeply divided vote suggests the budget could run into some resistance on the House floor.