News

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

House quickly approves 7.4 percent increase in school funding

Lawmakers — once again — approve $101million increase in school funding without any debate. The seven budget bills now head to Gov. Butch Otter for final consideration.

New anti-bullying law signed

House Bill 246 takes a step toward “bringing peace to the schoolyard,” Gov. Butch Otter said Monday afternoon.

Otter signs $125 million teacher salary bill into law

Leaders of the Idaho Education Association, Idaho School Board Association and Idaho Association of School Administrators joint Otter for bill signing.

Lawmaker explains his perfect score on Ed News quiz

The Idaho Ed News quiz this week was the talk of the Statehouse among lawmakers. Ed News readers and Idaho lawmakers took the challenge to see how well they knew their representatives and senators. Our records show only two lawmakers scored a perfect score; Rep. Mat Erpelding, D-Boise, and Rep. Brandon Hixon, R-Caldwell. “I thought…

Otter holds firm on transportation funding, explains veto

The governor says he doesn’t want a highway bill and tax overhaul to threaten education funding.

Statehouse roundup, 4.1.15: Senate races through school budgets

The 7.4 percent K-12 budget increase passed, with little debate, in a series of 35-0 votes.

Pocatello hires superintendent

District trustees promoted from within after an extensive search.

Statehouse roundup, 3.31.15: New broadband plan killed

The failed bill would have created a new state panel to help rural school districts secure high-speed Internet.

Lawmakers praise Ybarra’s push for federal waiver

The new state superintendent held her ground on the need for students to take the Common Core-aligned SBAC exams this spring.

JFAC calls for 7.4 percent school funding increase

The 2015-16 school budget would fully fund the first year of the career ladder teacher salary proposal.