IDAHO
Statehouse roundup, 3.16.17: Late-session budgets take shape
The Senate approves Superintendent Ybarra’s office budget, and JFAC recommends full funding for the K-12 school funding formula interim committee.
Voters approve $695 million for schools
From a $172.5 million bond issue in Boise to a $90,000 supplemental levy in West Side, Tuesday was almost a clean sweep for Idaho schools. Only one ballot measure failed: a plant facilities levy in the Vallivue School District.
Statehouse roundup, 3.15.17: House passes field trip funding bill
Lawmakers also inched closer to voting on the public school budgets and formalized the process of removing climate change references in new science standards.
Nate can’t remember hot mic comment lamenting overpaid teachers
The comment — made during a break in floor activity — was caught on the House’s live feed Tuesday morning.
Statehouse roundup, 3.14.17: House passes anti-electioneering bill
A bill to move school board elections to the November ballot hit a significant roadblock on the Senate floor, while a Senate committee decides to keep Idaho’s civics test intact.
Statehouse roundup, 3.13.17: House adds pupil services staffers to bonus program
Catch up on all the day’s headlines from the Statehouse.
JFAC puts $1 million into teacher evaluations training
Gov. Butch Otter requested $2.5 million. But legislative budget-writers sided with Otter on a jurisdictional battle, parking the $1 million in the State Board of Education’s budget.
Education news from around Idaho
This week’s briefs highlight Blaine County School students headed to the Robotics World Championship, STEM grants available for educators and the list of lawmakers who walked to win $10,000 for local schools.
State reaches $3.5 million Idaho Education Network settlement
With the settlement, the state’s direct costs from the broadband contract debacle will climb to at least $18.2 million, according to an Idaho Education News analysis.
Treasure Valley superintendents pitch their ballot measures
Leaders from the Boise, West Ada and Kuna school districts spoke at a City Club of Boise forum on Thursday to make their case for $377.5 million in ballot measures.