Top News

Analysis: The Freedom Foundation/Ron Nate push to defund higher ed

When the Rexburg Republican tried to cut $1.3 million from the higher education budget last week, he worked word for word and essentially dollar for dollar from an Idaho Freedom Foundation essay published two days before the hearing.

Statehouse roundup, 3.9.22: ‘Harmful materials’ bill is likely dead; kindergarten bill comes back to life

House Bill 666 could have opened school, library and museum employees up to a maximum $1,000 fine and a year in jail.

School elections: Jefferson County and Vallivue bond issues fail, Madison’s passes

INSIDE: Outcomes from districts across the state, which sought a combined $288.4 million in local funds Tuesday.

No, Idaho’s teachers aren’t quitting in droves

The state’s 2021 teacher-retention rate came in at 90.8%. And it’s hovered around that number since 2018.

Despite cost questions, lawmakers inch closer to a standards overhaul

Thursday’s vote marks the latest development in a long struggle over content standards — a set of guideposts that determine what K-12 students should learn during their academic careers.

Statehouse roundup, 3.3.22: ‘Harmful materials’ bill heads to House floor

INSIDE: The House sinks a bill that would mandate drug testing for substitute teachers.

Statehouse roundup, 3.2.22: JFAC agrees on a higher ed budget, but just barely

In other Statehouse news, Gov. Brad Little said he and lawmakers are “getting awful close” to a consensus on all-day kindergarten.

March 8: A $288.4 million election day for schools

The bulk of requested funds next week — a combined $176.9 million — comes in the form of bond issues for new and improved infrastructure in four districts.

House Education Committee narrowly kills private school tuition bill

Families could have spent up to $5,950 per student on private school tuition and fees, laptops and other education-related costs out of “education savings accounts” under the bill.