IDAHO
Analysis: Three emotional hearings provide a backdrop for campaign season
Private school tax credits. Guns in schools. Obscene library materials. All within 48 hours.
Statehouse roundup, 3.14.24: JFAC passes higher ed budget, while K-12 fix is on hold
Budget-writers put nearly $16 million into higher education Thursday — with some brief debate about roles and overlap. The budget numbers themselves went through quickly, and the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved them unanimously. Here’s how the line items break down: An additional $7.8 million for pay raises — specifically, 2% merit raises at Idaho’s four-year…
State investigation: Garden Valley’s failure to provide appropriate special education is a systemic issue
A lack of qualified staff and resources contributed to the failure but is not an excuse, the Idaho Department of Education found.
Statehouse roundup, 3.13.24: Bill to arm teachers falls in Senate committee
In other news, budget-writers carved out money for employee pay raises at the two-year colleges, and money to help Boise State University accommodate growth.
On-the-job training prevails as students’ disinterest in college grows
Four things to know about students’ rising interest in immediate employment and apathy towards a college degree.
Districts drop to four-day weeks despite obscure provision buried in legislation
Some are not waiting for statewide direction. “Of all the things I’ve done sitting on this board this has been the most difficult,” one trustee said.
Statehouse roundup, 3.12.24: Private school tax credit bill defeated in close vote
A single vote decided whether the bill would advance to the House floor.
West Bonner trustees face a slew of challenges
“We know that we have to improve. It’s unfortunate that people continue to beat us up on that,” said interim superintendent Joe Kren.
A path forward? Lawmakers could seek to restructure Phoenix purchase
A pair of new legal opinions could give lawmakers some added leverage, as they look to inject themselves into the Phoenix debate.
Lt. governor talks up Launch grants to students
An estimated 70% of Middleton’s senior class signed up for the new program.