IDAHO

Justices set new standards in Idaho Supreme Court decision

This week’s decision made two clear distinctions that will affect journalists and teachers who find themselves in court.

Statehouse roundup, 3.6.19: House passes sex ed opt-in bill

If the bill is signed into law, sex education courses would not be offered to Idaho students unless their parents specifically opt them in to the course in advance.

Ririe names new superintendent

Firth High School principal Jeff Gee will take over as the district’s new superintendent on July 1.

Bonneville trims Shackett’s separation payments by $59,000

Bonneville trustees approved an addendum to Shackett’s original separation agreement with the district. He’ll now leave the district in May instead of December.

From war hero to the Idaho Legislature

Rep. Bill Goesling is guided by the values he learned from his family, the Navy and his extensive education.

Statehouse roundup, 3.5.19: JFAC approves $7 million scholarship boost; House passes school budgets

In other news from the Statehouse, the House easily and quickly passes the seven public school budget bills.

Charters gain nearly half of Idaho’s new students

Enrollment grew by more than 5,000 students with 40 percent going to charters; meanwhile, the Boise School District lost hundreds of students.

Online learning fuels Oneida’s continued, massive growth

Nearly 1,000 additional online students helped the remote district garner millions in state tax dollars, which are largely diverted to for-profit digital curriculum providers. These students perform well below their brick-and-mortar peers on standardized tests.

Statehouse roundup, 3.4.19: Legislators debate confidential funding formula draft bill

Legislators discussed a confidential draft bill; the public and news media has no access to it. Also in legislative news, a bill to boost minimum teacher salaries sails through a Senate committee.