News

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

Statehouse roundup, 3.22.22: Empowering Parents grants budget hits a roadblock

The late-session wrangling doesn’t appear to jeopardize the program — which would provide education grants of up to $1,000 per student or $3,000 per family.

Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin’s chief of staff announces resignation 

The resignation comes as McGeachin is facing a projected budget shortfall if she doesn’t cut expenses.

New full-day kindergarten bill fast-tracked through Idaho House

The bill would change how early literacy funds are distributed to schools, and add new transparency requirements to supplemental levy elections.

House OK’s K-12 budgets — including $104 million in teacher pay raises

A year ago, the House killed the first version of a teacher salary bill — as lawmakers aired concerns about indoctrination. This year’s version of the bill passed 65-4.

Statehouse roundup, 3.21.22: Higher ed budget sails to Little’s desk

INSIDE: Idaho teachers and administrators can more or less bank on $1,000 bonuses.

U.S. schools are flush with cash, but struggling to spend it on schedule

Their efforts are running up against a national labor shortage and supply chain issues, which are making it difficult to do things like hire tutors or renovate dilapidated buildings.

Statehouse roundup, 3.18.22: All-day kindergarten bill remains in limbo, but an alternative path emerges

In other news: Senators approved a school funding switch and put the brakes on increasing school bus speed limits.

Statehouse roundup, 3.17.22: Little vetoes teacher premium expansion

Also Thursday, a $56.9 million budget for the state’s community college system passed the Senate.

McGeachin lays out platform, decries Little’s pandemic response

Offering few specifics, Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin laid out a far-reaching to-do list for her first 100 days as governor.

Analysis: The races that will shape the 2023 Legislature

It’s dizzying. All 105 legislative seats are on the ballot this year, but some races have big implications. Here’s a scouting report.