IDAHO

Statehouse roundup, 1.15.24: Hundreds attend hearing on library bill

In other news, nearly 200 teachers were in the Statehouse for the Idaho Education Association’s annual lobbying effort, and Cascade shared a success story.

Teachers whose careers are impacted by a lack of affordable, quality childcare: We want to hear from you

Your story could become part of a nationwide series tackling the relationship between childcare and parents’ participation in the workforce.

JFAC strikes Health and Welfare administrative budget over child care program audit

The showdown centers on uncorrected issues flagged in August, in a stinging audit of a child care grant program.

EdNews awarded national grant for career technical reporting

The series of stories will examine how state funds are expanding workforce training programs and their effectiveness.

Statehouse roundup, 1.12.24: A second school library bill surfaces

Chapter Two of the Legislature’s library debate began Friday morning. Without discussion, the Senate State Affairs Committee quickly introduced a bill designed to address school libraries. It’s the second library bill unveiled in the first week of the 2024 session. Dubbed the “School Library Material Care” act, the latest bill spells out a process to…

Private companies Hawley Troxell and Piper Sandler make building public schools their business

The law firm and bank provide expertise where much is at stake because building schools in Idaho is an odyssey fraught with restrictive laws, and complicated financial moves. To navigate it, many K-12 leaders turn to them.

But it’s expensive. Public education has siphoned millions to the private businesses over the years.

EdNews reporters Carly Flandro and Kevin Richert take a close look at their influence, commitment and costs.

Hawley Troxell’s higher ed work is far-reaching and costly

Since 2021, Idaho’s colleges and universities have outsourced more than $850,000 of work to the Boise-based firm.

Meet banker Eric Heringer

His private sector work has a major influence on public education. He shares – in his own words – how it all works.

Meet lawyers Tom Mortell and Nick Miller

These lawyers are household names among Idaho education leaders.

Analysis: What happens when the budget-writers try to budget their time?

Leaders of the Legislature’s hardest-working committee say they are trying to work smarter this year. Skeptics say the changes will shortchange Idahoans who care about how the committee spends the people’s money.