IDAHO
As higher ed wrestles with inflation, a tuition increase could be looming
The pressures of inflation might jeopardize new higher ed program requests — but Gov. Brad Little’s budget chief says new programs are still in play.
Supreme Court says religious schools can’t be singled out for exclusion from public dollars
The ruling does not require states to offer funding to religious schools if they don’t already fund private schools.
Idaho Falls to pay off bond debt early, considers asking for another
The East Idaho district plans to ask local voters for another bond issue for a new high school and other structural upgrades.
Analysis: Where money mattered in the May elections. And where it didn’t.
Fundraising allowed some successful statewide candidates to dominate the airwaves. A few challengers ran spendy races and unseated Statehouse incumbents. But in some legislative races, outside political groups might have played a bigger and more far-reaching role.
Ybarra deputy takes principal job
Also inside: A summer institute for teachers. And athletes across Idaho garner praise for outstanding academics.
Missing support: Students, psychologists say existing mental health resources aren’t enough
Students across the country share familiar concerns, explaining that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a time of isolation, loss of structure, and added mental health burdens. But it was also a time of personal growth, some said.
A ‘crisis:’ A grim State Board looks at the looming teacher shortage
Linda Clark — a State Board member and career K-12 educator — said the unprecedented shortage will hit rural schools the hardest. “I wish we could just say this morning, ‘Here’s the solution,’ …. We really have to put our thinking caps on here.”
West Ada trustees OK’d a 20% raise for superintendent
Trustees approved a new contract for Derek Bub on April 11, board minutes show. But the approval followed no discussion and was included in the meeting’s consent agenda, which trustees typically use to OK a cluster of non-controversial items through a single vote.
Boise trustees extend superintendent’s contract
Coby Dennis will also receive a 4.5% annual raise, keeping him among Idaho’s highest paid K-12 administrators.
Analysis: As a nervous summer begins, schools scramble to fill job vacancies
Idaho schools have at least 700 teacher vacancies — and a scarcity of qualified applicants. Said one administrator, “The crisis that we have been talking about for the last 10 years is here.”