News
The latest and breaking news and investigative reports about Idaho public education.
Statehouse roundup, 2.24.22: House Ed backs drug testing for subs in narrow vote
Sponsor Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, said substitute teaching “is a very easy way to access children and sell drugs to them,” and argued a testing mandate could help cut off drug trafficking into schools.
Idaho Senate lambasts critical race theory, ‘divisive’ teachings in resolution
SCR 118 denounces “divisive content … appearing in school curriculum across that nation” that “seeks to disregard the history of the United Stated and the nation’s journey to becoming a pillar of freedom in the world.”
Statehouse roundup, 2.23.22: Empowering Parents Grants bill heads to governor’s desk
In other news Wednesday, a new bill emerges to prohibit students from joining school clubs without their parents’ consent.
Statehouse roundup, 2.22.22: Divided budget committee OK’s education grant program
Legislative budget-writers agreed to put $50 million into the Empowering Parents Grants program. But Tuesday’s deeply divided vote suggests the budget could run into some resistance on the House floor.
School board members fill the Statehouse
Dozens of K-12 trustees dined with legislators, watched debates on the House floor and testified before the Senate Education Committee during a lobbying event that kicked off Monday.
State superintendent candidates take questions on education
The three Republicans shared their views on topics ranging from critical race theory to local control for school boards during a forum hosted by the Idaho School Boards Association Monday.
ISBA severs its ties with controversial national organization
The move comes five months after the National School Boards Association said threats and intimidation at trustee meetings could amount to domestic terrorism.
Statehouse roundup, 2.21.22: House votes to ban government mask mandates — again
Lawmakers traded verbal blows over what deserves to be called “science;” misinformation and mischaracterizations were spread; and though the mask mandate ban would apply to all government agencies, school mask mandates were in legislators’ crosshairs.
Ybarra to seek re-election
Idaho’s state superintendent of schools enters the race with name recognition, but it also means she’ll have to run on her track record.
Court issues protection order against Durst after child abuse accusations
Neither Durst nor his wife have been charged. “There’s false allegations,” Durst said. “We look forward to the case being dismissed.”