News
The latest and breaking news and investigative reports about Idaho public education.
Statehouse roundup, 1.19.24: Lawmakers recommend 3% state pay raises
More news inside: Boise State University’s School of Public Service and Idaho Policy Institute released the results of their ninth annual survey Friday; and details on Saturday’s women’s march.
Pocatello trustees continue to weigh options for rebuilding fire-damaged school
The insurance money won’t be enough to build the school students need, some trustees say.
Statehouse roundup, 1.18.24: New, negotiated library bill is coming
A controversial library bill that drew hundreds in protest is effectively dead, but a new version is forthcoming.
Statehouse roundup, 1.17.24: Little threatens Empowering Parents cut after conservative revenue forecast
One of Gov. Brad Little’s showpiece education programs could be slashed, after lawmakers recommended a conservative revenue forecast for the upcoming fiscal year. Alex Adams, Little’s budget chief, told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee Wednesday that the Empowering Parents program cut is one of a few reductions needed to trim about $100 million from the governor’s…
Statehouse roundup, 1.16.24: The year’s first budget bills surface
(UPDATED, 4:28 p.m., with clarifications on the scholarship rules considered Tuesday.) The Legislature’s budget-writing committee began spending money Tuesday. Divided on party lines, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved “maintenance” budgets for K-12, higher education and other state agencies. These maintenance budgets include nearly $3.1 billion for public schools and $684 million for the college and…
Teachers whose careers are impacted by a lack of affordable, quality childcare: We want to hear from you
Your story could become part of a nationwide series tackling the relationship between childcare and parents’ participation in the workforce.
JFAC strikes Health and Welfare administrative budget over child care program audit
The showdown centers on uncorrected issues flagged in August, in a stinging audit of a child care grant program.
Statehouse roundup, 1.12.24: A second school library bill surfaces
Chapter Two of the Legislature’s library debate began Friday morning. Without discussion, the Senate State Affairs Committee quickly introduced a bill designed to address school libraries. It’s the second library bill unveiled in the first week of the 2024 session. Dubbed the “School Library Material Care” act, the latest bill spells out a process to…
Statehouse roundup, 1.11.24: Complex charter bill debuts, Blaine repeal comes back
The charter school overhaul bill will likely get a full public hearing — but not right away.
Statehouse roundup, 1.10.24: New bill to restrict library material introduced
The legislation calls for $250 in statutory damages for libraries that fail to comply.