Voices

A lawmaker’s proposal that would allow education funds to follow students to the school or education opportunity of their choice at least deserves a public hearing.

Idahoans want great schools for all kids and understand there is more work to be done to get there.

Idaho’s future prosperity depends on the responsible, targeted, data-driven and sustainable investments we make today in kindergarten through high school, in professional-technical training programs, and in our college and university system.

Idaho’s motivated students should have an opportunity to unlock their potential through higher education. At the University of Idaho, we will do everything we can to make that possible. One student at a time, we are investing in great lives.

But overcoming the challenges of poverty to improve student performance for all students requires doing things differently. A new report highlights ways to reverse the decline of the American family, to reconnect struggling families to jobs that offer middle-class opportunities, and ideas for improving schools and educational opportunities.

The first petition proposes a modest increase on tobacco tax to generate revenue to lower Idaho’s tuition by 22 percent. The second initiative seeks to end tax exemptions coupled with reducing the sales tax to generate additional funds for our state’s budget.

We can debate the merits of this new world order, but not the reality of it. Computers are inextricably connected to everything we do. That makes it all the more confounding that computer science remains an afterthought in K-12 education across most of the United States.

School choice holds that some schools may lose market share simply because the product no longer works well for families and students, or that families have identified better options for their children.

A little goes a long way, and we all have the opportunity to work together to help ensure our students receive a world-class education and graduate prepared to make a difference.

If you are one who happens to think that the education establishment needs to be shaken up, then Russell Joki is your kind of guy. The new board member for the West Ada School District campaigned on the promise he would provide more scrutiny and accountability, and he has delivered.