IDAHO
Statehouse roundup, 3.9.17: House Education backs field trip funding bill
The Legislature repealed funding for field trips in 2009, but a new bill working its way through the Statehouse would restore funding.
Bonneville grapples with overcrowding, again
About 75 parents, patrons and teachers turned out for a two-hour meeting at Sandcreek Middle School Tuesday to provide feedback and ask questions about a variety of multimillion-dollar options aimed at curbing the problem — and to see if the district will turn to local taxpayers to help fund the fix.
Statehouse roundup, 3.8.17: Charter school bill sent out for changes
A charter school lobbyist agreed to leave in place existing requirements that charter schools comply with Idaho’s general education laws.
House panel holds Nate’s bill encouraging gun safety courses in schools
Six Republicans joined the House Education Committee’s three Democrats in holding the bill in committee, which effectively kills the bill for the year.
Statehouse roundup, 3.7.17: Rural pilot program passes House, barely
In other news Tuesday, budget-writers approve $100,000 to replace Idaho’s reading test for kindergartners through third-graders.
New group opposes measure for East Idaho community college
“We don’t need this,” said Larry Lyon, a Bonneville County resident and member of the newly formed East Idaho-based conservative group “Idahope.” “There are many local and online educational offerings and dozens of associates degrees offered within 50 miles of Idaho Falls.”
Statehouse roundup: 3.6.17: Committee holds bill to keep students home on Election Day
In other legislative news, a bill to move school board elections to November clears a Senate committee.
Administrators reported 3,162 bullying incidents in 2015-16
This is the first year districts were required to report bullying incidents to the state and it will be used as a baseline measure to gauge progress.
Statehouse roundup, 3.3.17: Education groups say they were cut out of charter school negotiations
In other news, the House Ways and Means Committee introduces several other K-12 bills — two pertaining to charter schools.
Education news from around Idaho
This week’s briefs highlight high school students selected as National Merit Finalists, Caldwell students headed to the Robotics World Championship and a way to win $1,000 for your classroom.