News

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

Charter bills face a Senate floor showdown

Lawmakers have been working behind the scenes to amend the two controversial charter schools bills. Senate Education Committee Chairman John Goedde says there could be a variety of amendments up for debate.

House Ed introduces five new bills

Two new bills were fast-tracked, which skips the public hearing process but could increase their chance of working through the Legislature before adjournment.

Statehouse roundup, 3.15.13

The House sent three Senate bills relating to education to Gov. Butch Otter for final consideration Friday.

Task force coming to a town near you

The governor’s Task Force for Improving Education set dates and a timeline for making recommendations to lawmakers and policy makers by the end of this year.

Tax panel OK’s private school scholarship credits

Sen. Bob Nonini touts the income tax credit program a money-saver that will encourage school choice. The Idaho School Boards Association, the Idaho Association of School Administrators and the Idaho Association oppose the bill.

Campus religious groups bill clears committee

Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, says his bill would protect student faith groups on college campuses. Opponents say the bill carves out a special exemption for them.

Statehouse roundup, 3.14.13

The personal property tax parlor game continues. And legislative action — on teacher salary money, school labor issues and a school security bill, and more.

Briefs: Task force, state board meeting, recipe book, gardens

Find information about the governor’s task force, the launch of a new lunch recipe book and grants awarded to schools for building gardens.

Tuesday’s levies: personal property tax figures

The $107.8 million in school levies, approved Tuesday by voters in 36 districts, includes roughly $9.4 million in personal property taxes.

On hold: Committee sidetracks labor bills

Senate Education Committee members voted unanimously to hold two controversial labor bills. But Chairman John Goedde said the bills are not dead.