News

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

ISU plans to offer full-time in-person instruction this fall

Coronavirus protocols will remain in effect “as long as circumstances require,” such as mask mandates and contact tracing.

Congress approves massive and historic infusion of funds for schools

The new money comes to nearly $2,500 per student, but high-poverty districts will see more. Some may find themselves flush with cash.

Legislative roundup, 3.10.21: House approves bill to withhold funding to schools closed during pandemic

“If you choose to remain closed to the students of Idaho, we have to provide them another option,” bill sponsor, Rep. Codi Galloway said.

Legislative roundup, 3.9.21: House approves scholarship, Strong Students grants bill

In other news, bills relating to vaccine exemption disclosures and state payments to parents that withdraw from remote schools are headed to the floor.

Guns-in-schools bill heads to the House floor

Rep. Chad Christensen’s bill would allow employees with an enhanced concealed weapons license to carry a gun on school grounds, without local trustees’ permission. The House State Affairs Committee approved the bill Tuesday along party lines.

Legislative roundup, 3.8.21: House passes optional union negotiations bill

If the bill passes, districts could implement salaries and benefits without having to negotiate or agree with teachers’ representatives.

Campus coronavirus roundup, 3.8.21: Cases rise sharply at U of I

University officials believe the outbreaks are tied to a handful of Greek houses and on-campus apartments.

Education news from around Idaho

Get details on grant money for nutrition programs, Idaho’s college savings program and new board members for the STEM Action Center Foundation.

Legislative roundup, 3.5.21: JFAC rejects bill to split higher ed budgets

The Legislature will still need to pass a higher education spending bill — and in 2020, it took three tries to pass a budget over objections from House conservatives.

State Board says teacher bonus review process nearly complete

Barring any last-minute problems, the state should be able to notify master educator premium applicants by the end of next week.