IDAHO
ISBA severs its ties with controversial national organization
The move comes five months after the National School Boards Association said threats and intimidation at trustee meetings could amount to domestic terrorism.
Statehouse roundup, 2.21.22: House votes to ban government mask mandates — again
Lawmakers traded verbal blows over what deserves to be called “science;” misinformation and mischaracterizations were spread; and though the mask mandate ban would apply to all government agencies, school mask mandates were in legislators’ crosshairs.
Ybarra to seek re-election
Idaho’s state superintendent of schools enters the race with name recognition, but it also means she’ll have to run on her track record.
Court issues protection order against Durst after child abuse accusations
Neither Durst nor his wife have been charged. “There’s false allegations,” Durst said. “We look forward to the case being dismissed.”
Statehouse roundup, 2.18.22: Another education savings account bill comes forward
The ESAs would allow eligible families to spend around $5,950 per student on education-related expenses, including private school tuition.
Survey: Right-leaning college students say they are more likely to feel pressured over politics
The State Board of Education took a deeper look at the student survey results Thursday. Earlier in the day, the board approved an updated academic freedom policy.
Analysis: Tromp is a lightning rod, but not for the State Board
The Boise State University president has become the face of the Statehouse debate over the direction of Idaho higher education. But the State Board of Education — which hires university presidents — sees Marlene Tromp as a partner.
Statehouse roundup, 2.17.22: House votes to ban schools from running ‘repeat’ bond requests
School districts, which use bonds to pay for new facilities, would effectively have to wait a year to try again if they miss the two-thirds voter support they need to get bonds passed.
Nampa trustees to consider paying their part-time clerk $72,000 a year
Last year’s clerk made $8,568. Nampa’s average teacher salary is $49,926.
Statehouse roundup, 2.16.2021: Powerball gets reluctant support in committee
Education has skin in this game: Over the next decade, Powerball is expected to generate some $200 million in dividends, which go to public schools, the K-12 Bond Levy Equalization Fund, and the Permanent Building Fund, which finances state and campus capital projects.