IDAHO
Funding formula bill will be unveiled this week
A draft of the much-awaited and controversial bill will be posted online, Sen. Dean Mortimer said. That’s likely to happen before legislators even hold their first hearing on the proposal.
Utah college has no record it sold modulars to Idaho charter school administrator
Fred Ball says he purchased modulars from Salt Lake Community College. He has not produced a bill of sale, yet his school paid him $16,000 for their purchase.
Idaho’s graduation rate falls in national rankings
While the rankings are troubling, they are also more than 18 months old. They do not reflect numbers for Idaho’s class of 2018, which improved significantly.
Statehouse roundup, 1.25.19: Scholarship proposal won’t eliminate backlog
More than 3,400 students are on a waiting list for an Idaho Opportunity Scholarship. Gov. Brad Little wants to spend an additional $7 million to cut into the backlog.
Ybarra requests 8 percent increase for education budget built around teacher raises
The superintendent’s requests are significantly different than Gov. Brad Little’s requests for education funding.
Ybarra faces an uphill fight on mastery education
The superintendent wants more money for mastery education, and she wants to get rid of a cap on pilot programs. That could be a long-shot battle for Ybarra, who has had limited success getting her agenda through the Statehouse.
Drones and robots take over the Statehouse
The Idaho STEM Action Center hosted students, educators and lawmakers to showcase STEM projects and tools used in the classroom.
Statehouse roundup, 1.23.19: U of I pushes for a boost in state-funded scholarships
If state Opportunity Scholarship dollars do not materialize, the University of Idaho says it will make up the difference for 500 qualified students. The university’s potential risk hinges on how much money the Legislature puts into scholarships, President Chuck Staben said.
State seeks feedback on K-12 accountability system
Public comments will be accepted through Feb. 1.