News

Attorneys representing dozens of Idaho school districts want a judge to toss out a lawsuit that says school student fees violate the state’s Constitution. A judge took the appeal under advisement.

Janet Orndorff — a former teacher and longtime volunteer for Boise schools — had served on the district’s board since 1990.

The “interim committee” received final approval on the Senate floor Monday — and the group’s work scope is more far-reaching than Gov. Butch Otter’s education task force.

Giving themselves a second chance, senators approved a bill allowing school districts to cut salaries and contract days. But a controversial “last best offer” labor bill is on hold, likely for the session.

Legislators are working a short day before the Easter weekend, with no K-12 budget solution in the offing. A Plan B might start in the Senate, House Education Committee Chairman Reed DeMordaunt said Friday.

After Wednesday’s surprise Senate vote, Idaho political leaders are struggling to piece together a compromise budget plan for public schools. But the process is on hold.

A divided Senate approved a complicated funding bill that would give charter schools $1.4 million in facilities stipends in 2013-14.

Two labor and bargaining bills sponsored by the Idaho School Boards Association head to Gov. Butch Otter’s desk.

Republican senators debated in favor of and against the budget for K-12 schools. Read what they said, and what legislative leaders think needs to happen next before the 2013 Legislature can adjourn.