IDAHO

House overwhelmingly passes school budgets

School budget would increase state spending by 6.8 percent, raise teacher pay again and restore cuts to school districts’ operations budgets.

Going-home bill? Another tax cut heads to the House floor

Statehouse roundup, 3.21.16: An estimated $16 million tax cut surfaces, and the House takes another stab at a student mobility bill.

Ybarra makes last-minute push for rural schools center

Statehouse roundup, 3.18.16: Rural schools bill is on a legislative fast track, while a boost in college scholarships heads to Gov. Butch Otter’s desk.

JFAC approves $9.1 million literacy budget

All told, budget-writers have proposed a 7.4 percent budget increase for K-12 — a magic number for many key legislators.

House Education passes Bible-in-schools bill

Statehouse roundup, 3.17.16. The religious education amendment resurfaces, and a proposed tax cut dies a swift death.

House debates Bible-in-school bill; vote slated for Thursday

Statehouse roundup, 3.16.16: A nonbinding resolution on Idaho’s “60 percent goal” generates some surprising debate.

JFAC approves $971,000 to cover more broadband legal bills

The Legislature’s budget-writing committee also put $2 million into STEM programs — falling far short of Gov. Butch Otter’s request.

School elections: New sunshine bill sees light of day

Statehouse roundup, 3.15.16: The state takes a step to pay off Idaho Education Network legal bills, while another literacy bill heads to the governor.

Caldwell chooses Bonneville administrator to head district

The hiring process was kept secret. Trustees signed “confidentiality statements” over resumes and the board chair admitted the trustees made their “unanimous vote” to hire French during a Saturday executive session.