News
The latest and breaking news and investigative reports about Idaho public education.
Interim ED committee on hold until August
Busy summers for lawmakers prevent an earlier meeting, and next year’s education budget requests may already be submitted by the time the interim committee first meets.
No deal, yet, on Nampa contract
Negotiations in the state’s third largest school district are coming down the wire; the current agreement ends June 30. Another bargaining session is scheduled for Friday morning.
Meridian district and union fail to strike a deal
District officials and teachers’ union negotiators made progress Friday night. But Idaho’s largest school district will not have an agreement in place Monday, when the new budget year begins.
Educators flock to hands-on STEM program
About 500 teachers are participating in the iSTEM summer institute, which is backed by the State Department, INL, universities and businesses.
Meridian moves to revoke North Star charter
Trustees were unswayed by a plan to ease North Star Charter School’s short-term financial crunch. North Star board chairman Jim Miller said he was “disheartened” by the School Board’s vote.
Study: Idaho stalls in several education areas
In areas from early education to reading and math scores, Idaho has stagnated in recent years, according to a new national study of childhood well-being.
Several large districts still at negotiating table
According to estimates, more than 50 percent of Idaho school districts have ratified collective bargaining agreements. But Nampa and Meridian are still at the bargaining table, while Bonneville has called in mediators.
Common Core: Idaho to road-test exams in 2014
As the state continues implementing Idaho Core Standards, Idaho will field-test new assessments tied to Common Core in 2014 — a year before the tests are used as an accountability measure.
Nampa teachers union budges on furloughs
The Nampa Education Association agrees to four unpaid furlough days for 2013-14. District officials are seeking 14 furlough days — and this is the centerpiece of their plan to erase a $3 million shortfall.
Does Idaho need more school counselors?
Idaho needs to hire more school counselors to help students make plans for life after graduation, according to legislative auditors. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna isn’t sure hiring counselors is the answer.