IDAHO

Idaho coronavirus response, 6.9.20: Ybarra says questions remain about return to school in the fall

Plus, after not speaking for a few weeks during the pandemic, Gov. Brad Little and Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin made a joint appearance during a telephone town hall meeting.

Will teachers vulnerable to the coronavirus be required to return to school?

Federal and state laws provide employees some protections, but districts have latitude in how they provide safe working environments.

Reclaim Idaho sues Little over ballot initiative

Group says Little’s stay-home order prevented them from gathering signatures needed to put an initiative on November’s ballot. The initiative would have raised taxes for education funding.

Five new charters will open for business this fall

The public schools could provide in-person or remote learning for nearly 1,000 students. Of course, opening doors depends on the guidance related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Supreme Court justices grill attorneys in Ybarra lawsuit

It’s unclear when the Supreme Court will rule in the case. And on Friday, justices didn’t really tip their hand either. During a hearing held over Zoom, the five justices posed pointed questions to attorneys for state superintendent Sherri Ybarra, the Legislature and the State Board of Education.

Analysis: Voters showed up, but they also hunkered down

Due to unexpectedly high voter turnout or economic fears — or, more likely, a combination of the two — it was a tough night for some school leaders and a solid night for some conservative hardliners.