News

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

Statehouse roundup, 1.26.22: Community colleges make their budget pitch

Meanwhile, in the House Education Committee, college and universities seek to head off another critical race theory debate.

Veteran former member of the Idaho House returns to fill Senate vacancy

Sen. Julie VanOrden, R-Pingree, is a former chairwoman of the House Education Committee who served three terms in the Idaho House of Representatives, until she was defeated in the 2018 Republican primary election.

Idaho high school graduation rate falls

The 2021 rate of 80.1% fell well short of the state’s goal of 92.4%.

Idaho Falls approves full-day kindergarten

A declining number of students entering kindergarten “ready to learn” provoked the decision.

West Ada ends COVID exposure notifications to families

Trustees voted 3-2 Monday to nix the requirement as the fast-spreading omicron variant brings confirmed cases to a new high.

Statehouse roundup, 1.25.22: Tromp gets grilled on social-justice spending

The debate that defined the 2021 higher education budget battle took center stage again Tuesday.

Idaho hospitals are in crisis, again. This time, it’s more complicated

The health care rationing protocol is meant to help health care providers make decisions on how to use scarce resources.

Caldwell trustees approve a temporary mask mandate

The decision followed high absentee rates in staff and students. District leaders hope masks will keep kids in school.

‘People still care:’ Idaho high school students lead hundreds in Women’s March

A mostly masked crowd of a few hundred people waved hand-made signs and cheered as organizers spoke.

Statehouse roundup, 1.24.22: Fund for school staff health insurance clears House

Inside: Idaho’s four-year schools will probably have to increase tuition next year — in order to cover employee raises, limit staff turnover and compete with the private sector.