News

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

Boise trustee candidates take questions from EdNews’ Kevin Richert in recorded forums

Read the highlights from the conversations. OR INSIDE: Links to watch the full videos.

Facing a shortage of mental health professionals, school districts get creative to meet student needs

School leaders are renewing their focus on relationship-building and preventative practices and turning to their communities for support. 

Kuna considering a record $300 million bond issue

If approved by the school board, it would be the largest proposed general obligation bond in Idaho history.

West Ada passes policy to restrict classroom decorations

The move is part of an effort to create “content neutrality” and adhere to a 2021 Idaho law regarding dignity and nondiscrimination in schools. 

Charter coalition sues Biden administration over rule changes

The lawsuit, announced Monday, takes aim at changes to a federal grant process, including a shortened window — 30 days — for submitting grant applications this year.

Idaho’s dead-last student spending rankings are infamous – but how or whether to improve them is a point of contention

Administrators say public education needs more money and a funding formula change. Reformers argue that more money isn’t necessarily the right fix.

Per Pupil Expenditure Explained: A crash course on how it’s calculated and compared

Generally, PPE is calculated by taking the amount of money a district spends on students in a given year and dividing it by the number of students in that district.
But there are some nuances.

City of Caldwell OK’s housing development, despite school district’s plea to wait  

Six out of seven Vallivue elementary schools are over capacity due to new growth.

Analysis: School officials keep their distance from polarizing mask mandates

Heading into their fourth pandemic academic year, administrators have more tools to prevent the spread of disease, and they hope the new variant will be less severe. But the science isn’t that clearcut. 

Education organizations prepare for legislative session

From insurance to funding to school choice, leaders expect to encounter several “hot topics” next year.