IDAHO
Statehouse roundup, 2.28.22: Education savings account proposal draws deep roster of testifiers
The bill would allow families to spend up to $5,950 in state funds on their child’s private school tuition and fees.
Ex-boss warns trustees she would not recommend contracting with their new clerk
Former Idaho School Boards Association Executive Director Karen Echeverria sent a scathing email to Nampa trustees, saying Krissy LaMont wrongly used a recommendation letter.
Statehouse roundup, 2.25.22: Senate passes rural teacher incentives bill
In other news, a divided House passes a $1 million budget for school arts grants.
Analysis: Will all-day kindergarten pass this year? It’s complicated.
Many lawmakers seem ready to fund all-day kindergarten, but they can’t seem to decide what it should look like. The Senate Education Committee could work on the issue Monday.
Statehouse roundup, 2.24.22: House Ed backs drug testing for subs in narrow vote
Sponsor Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, said substitute teaching “is a very easy way to access children and sell drugs to them,” and argued a testing mandate could help cut off drug trafficking into schools.
Idaho Senate lambasts critical race theory, ‘divisive’ teachings in resolution
SCR 118 denounces “divisive content … appearing in school curriculum across that nation” that “seeks to disregard the history of the United Stated and the nation’s journey to becoming a pillar of freedom in the world.”
Statehouse roundup, 2.23.22: Empowering Parents Grants bill heads to governor’s desk
In other news Wednesday, a new bill emerges to prohibit students from joining school clubs without their parents’ consent.
Statehouse roundup, 2.22.22: Divided budget committee OK’s education grant program
Legislative budget-writers agreed to put $50 million into the Empowering Parents Grants program. But Tuesday’s deeply divided vote suggests the budget could run into some resistance on the House floor.
School board members fill the Statehouse
Dozens of K-12 trustees dined with legislators, watched debates on the House floor and testified before the Senate Education Committee during a lobbying event that kicked off Monday.
State superintendent candidates take questions on education
The three Republicans shared their views on topics ranging from critical race theory to local control for school boards during a forum hosted by the Idaho School Boards Association Monday.