IDAHO
Senate Education chairman kills his own bill
The Senate Education Committee continued to play defense Tuesday, as the panel’s chairman took the unusual step of killing his own bill.
JFAC calls for 6.8 percent increase in K-12 public school funding
Lawmakers say they could increase education spending even more if unsettled policy debates are resolved.
Handicapping the budget ‘trailer bills’
Will the Legislature fund the literacy plan — and other loose ends that didn’t make it into the K-12 budget unveiled Monday?
School elections changes are dead for 2016
Senators killed a bill to move school trustee races to the November elections — and a second bill to elect trustees across an entire school district.
Bible-in-schools bill will get a rewrite
The possible amendments could address other religious texts — and work around the use of the Bible in science classes.
JFAC drafting 7.4 percent K-12 budget increase
The budget committee will set the 2016-17 public school budget Monday. The bottom line could match the 2015-16 funding increase, but fall slightly below the recommendations of Gov. Butch Otter and superintendent Sherri Ybarra.
Charter contracts: a short bill, a heated debate
Charter school officials are split on a bill to rewrite the teacher contract process. Three powerful education groups oppose the idea.
Budget-writers boost Idaho scholarship program
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee backed Gov. Butch Otter’s proposed $5 million increase in Idaho’s Opportunity Scholarship.
Marathon literacy debate dominates House floor session
Literacy bill passes 67-1 after several lawmakers question whether the bill would create new state expenses, lead to students being reclassified or promote kindergarten.
Sayles, Dean and Joki will not resign from West Ada board
The three board members all said the will stand for a May 17 recall election. They all said they have heard from supporters who encouraged them to stay.