News

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

Lawmaker preparing a pre-K pilot plan

For years, pre-kindergarten has been a contentious, emotional issue at the Idaho Statehouse. Rep. Hy Kloc, D-Boise, wants to take another run at pre-K — with a bill establishing private-public pilot schools.

State Board members rip Luna’s K-12 budget

Some board members feared that a proposed $77 million increase in public school funding would rob colleges and universities of scarce funding.

State Board names its ‘distinguished schools’

Seven schools earned top awards for their five-star ranking and ranking among the top 5 percent for student proficiency.

Virtual charter seeks to bridge geographic gap

The Idaho Distance Education Academy seeks to bring a statewide student body together.

Blaine, McKinstry strike settlement deal

Under terms of the deal, school district officials will pay their energy services company $665,000 for work that is completed, while the company will cover $800,000 in legal fees for the district.

Land Board rejects swaps for office space

The state wants to get out of the business of leasing cabin sites along Payette and Priest lakes. But state officials are balking at swapping these sites for office space in Idaho Falls and Nampa.

Mtn Home supports Idaho Core Standards

In other news, sophomores can take PSAT this week, space program accepting applications, Blaine County improves its website and Idaho Falls students become active in mayoral race.

Idaho selected to join a global partnership

Sixty-three schools from Idaho will join more than 900 other schools from nine other countries in an effort to transform education worldwide.

Andrus wins award, comes out punching

Idaho Voices for Children honored former Gov. Cecil Andrus as the nonprofit’s Children’s Champion on Friday. In accepting the award, Andrus called out lawmakers and state officials, urging them to be sincere in making education a priority.

Federal afterschool grants up for grabs

School districts, cities, community and faith-based groups and private corporations can apply for a share of Uncle Sam’s money. Applications are due Jan. 31.