News

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

Senate Education OK’s ‘last best offer’ bill

A controversial Idaho School Boards Association bill — allowing districts to impose a last best contract offer in the event of stalemate — is one step closer to the governor’s desk.

Lawmakers vote to change school safety bill

Lawmakers and groups expressed concerns about police involvement and secrecy in schools.

Private school scholarship bill passes, barely

On a 35-33 vote, the House approved a bill to award $10 million in income tax credits to donors who contribute to private school scholarship funds. Here’s a look at the debate, and the vote breakdown.

Back to life: Salary bill revived

Three House Education Committee members said they wanted to change their votes on a bill that was pushed by the committee chairman and affects teacher salaries.

Catching up around the Statehouse

The 2013 legislative session is headed into its final two weeks — or so say legislative leaders. So let’s catch up on some education-related votes from Tuesday.

Senate Ed backs three ISBA labor bills

The Senate Education Committee approved bills addressing three labor issues: teachers’ association representation, employment disputes and reductions in force.

Personal property tax bill passes House, 67-2

The $20 million property tax cut for businesses enjoyed wide-ranging support in the House. The bill now goes to a Senate with a long history of rewriting House-passed tax legislation.

House panel kills chairman’s bill

Five committee Republicans join three Democrats to oppose a bill pushed by Chairman Rep. Reed DeMordaunt, R-Eagle.

Personal property tax bill sails to House floor

Drafted by counties — with the blessing of the Idaho School Boards Association and the Idaho Association of School Administrators — a new personal property tax repeal bill is gathering steam.

State releases charter school study

The new report highlights policy issues — but purposely does not examine effectiveness of charter schools compared to traditional schools.