IDAHO
Budget committee briefed on $40 million schools can spend on COVID spikes, staff shortages
Another $5 million in federal funding may become available to schools by November.
Budget-writers return to work — and take a first look at 2022’s big decisions
The Legislature’s powerful budget-writing committee took a first look at K-12 and higher education budget proposals, and glossed over a small but politically sensitive request from Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin.
Sheriff investigating alleged hazing by Fruitland High football players
A complaint says 11 members of the varsity squad restrained JV players on Thursday, and shocked one of them with a dog collar. No charges have been filed.
West Ada plans to reverse learning loss with federal cash
School leaders are in the process of hiring instructional coaches, seeking on-demand tutoring for students and buying laptops with the money provided by the American Rescue Plan.
McGeachin’s office says it can’t find invoices for legal bills
The lieutenant governor’s office accrued legal expenses during an unsuccessful court battle with the Idaho Press Club. But the amount remains unknown to taxpayers.
McGeachin lambasts media over indoctrination records dispute
The lieutenant governor on Thursday attacked media coverage of her recent refusal to release public documents, despite a court order for her to do so.
Analysis: November’s school board elections reflect their turbulent time
Tensions over local COVID-19 protocols, and the nationalized critical race theory backlash, are reshaping trustee races in 2021. Is this a step toward pricier, more partisan elections?
Feds to investigate three complaints against Wilder
The U.S. Department of Education dismissed five other allegations against the district, but will investigate concerns about its English Language Learner services.
West Ada to stop contact tracing, keep mask mandate
The district will instead notify parents if their student was in a classroom with someone who tested positive. Parents will be advised to monitor for symptoms but keep their kids in class.
Idaho’s track record does not bode well for COVID-19 vaccination rollout for kids
“We’re not selling soap here,” Dr. Steven Nemerson of the Saint Alphonsus Health System told reporters Tuesday. “We’re selling well-being. And we want to sell the truth and people have to be able to trust us.”