News
The latest and breaking news and investigative reports about Idaho public education.
Education news roundup: Thursday, March 6
The Senate approves $6.6 million for the embattled Idaho Education Network broadband program. And more from the Statehouse, including news from Thursday’s House Education Committee meeting.
Scholarship tax credit bill goes to House
Supporters say Rep. John Vander Woude’s bill could allow more than 3,000 students to attend private school. Opponents call his bill a $10 million gamble that hurts public schools.
JFAC delays WiFi vote, grants ISEE flexibility
Lawmakers plan to wait until Friday to settle the WiFi debate, but they did take action to give school district leaders flexibility with the ISEE instructional management system.
Broadband funding remains in flux
The budget committee took no action on Gov. Butch Otter’s $7.3 million request to replace federally-administered money for the Idaho Education Network.
Evaluation bill draws fire from ed groups
Supporters say the bill is designed to include parents and students in the evaluation process, but three key education groups say the legislation is flawed.
Sage charter to expand into vacant mall
Renovations at a ParkCenter Blvd. building will allow Sage International to double its student population to 1,000 by 2015.
House passes “use it or lose it” bill
The bill cleared the House 68-0 despite concerns from education stakeholders and school officials that a piece of data central to the bill does not exist.
Parental rights bill heads to House floor
Idaho Falls Rep. Janet Trujillo’s bill would state that parents have “a right, responsibility and obligation” to participate in the education of their children.
Education news roundup: Monday, March 3
With legislators hoping to adjourn by March 21, two competing student data security bills are in the works. And the state names a committee to oversee the field test of Idaho’s Common Core exam.
Otter files for third term
Rather than stage a campaign event during the ongoing legislative session, Otter and his team filed the official candidate paperwork and released a list of backers and organizers.