IDAHO
Senate OKs tax cut, sends bill to Otter’s desk
Republican supporters said the time had come for tax relief. Opponents said the cuts could jeopardize education.
Senate approves school board elections shift
Statehouse roundup, 2.28.18: The House approves a bonding “transparency” bill.
Bonneville fields questions on $35.3 million bond measure
Superintendent Chuck Shackett: “I think we can continue to build without (increasing the levy rate).”
Gun threat prompts school closures in Blackfoot
Police arrested a 14-year-old in connection with the threat.
House Education approves private school scholarship bill
More than 100 witnessed a two-hour debate before lawmakers narrowly approved sending the bill to the House floor.
Idaho’s AP numbers improve — yet lose ground
More Idaho students are graduating high school with Advanced Placement credits — and a jumpstart on college. But Idaho’s numbers still lag well behind national averages.
House Education calls for changes to teacher loan forgiveness bill
More news inside: Higher ed budget, mastery, STEM diploma and in-state residency requirements.
College scholarship program in line for a $3.5 million boost
The new money could fund an additional 1,042 scholarships — but it won’t cover all of the state’s unmet demand.
Digital debut: Committee pilots remote testimony
For the first time in Idaho history, residents could testify to lawmakers via video conferencing.
JFAC cuts budget to replace elementary reading test
Statehouse roundup, 2.26.18: The debate over replacing the state’s reading test heats up, House Education passes a bill encouraging schools to offer gun safety courses and more.