State Policy

Following the dollars: Idaho’s spendiest school board elections (UPDATED, 11.7.23)

Idaho Education News will continue to track campaign finance reports through the Nov. 7 elections — and beyond.

‘An absolute budget buster:’ Committee takes a sobering look at special education

Special education is underfunded across Idaho, and state superintendent Debbie Critchfield says it will take time to fix the 1975 state law that spells out the approach to funding.

No ruling, no timetable: Open meeting lawsuit remains in play

A 90-minute hearing left the case in limbo. And that uncertainty, in turn, continues to cast a shadow over the proposed University of Idaho-University of Phoenix megadeal.

Analysis: Money makes a big mark in (some) school board elections

The Nov. 7’s trustee elections remain a mixed bag — a mishmash of spendy races and sleepy races, often within the same community. Here are case studies from three Treasure Valley school districts.

Analysis: The data about life after high school? It’s complicated.

Fewer high school graduates are going straight to college. But the demand for college scholarships is soaring. Both things can be true at the same time.

New money, new options: State Board broadens Empowering Parents program

Parents will be able to spend their share of the microgrants on a host of new items — from backpacks and musical instruments to camps and athletic fees.

State Board’s legal bills in open records case exceed $81,000 — so far

Idaho Education News received the invoices Wednesday, after filing a public records request.

Could the Phoenix purchase hurt Idaho’s credit rating? A state committee seeks answers

University of Idaho officials says the $685 million purchase will not jeopardize Idaho’s lofty credit rating. State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth doesn’t seem as sure.