IDAHO
Education news roundup, Wednesday, Feb. 12
Students and teachers make a push to plow more money into ag programs. A new round of labor bills has consensus support. And it’s take two for a bill that would allow rural school districts to hire the spouses of trustees. Today’s Statehouse roundup.
JFAC backs Otter’s revenue estimate
The 2014-15 state budget will be built around a 6.4 percent increase in revenues.
Idaho educator doubles as Olympic artist
Blaine County’s interim superintendent John Blackman painted helmets for Olympic champion skier Picabo Street. His latest painting arrived in Russia just in time for this week’s women’s skeleton race.
New candidate enters superintendent’s race
Sherri Ybarra, a 17-year educator from Mountain Home, is jumping into what is (for now) a three-way May 20 Republican primary. One of her campaign platforms: not overtesting Idaho students.
Senators chew over Schoolnet project
The state has made progress on fixing problems with a multimillion-dollar student information system, an Education Department official said Tuesday. But senators still have questions about its long-range future.
House introduces parents’ bill of rights
Rep. Janet Trujillo’s bill would ensure the state’s role in educating children is secondary to the role parents play.
Otter defends broadband project (w/VIDEO)
Gov. Butch Otter also speaks out against across-the-board raises for teachers and state employees — and discusses his plans for funding recommendations from his education reform task force.
Senators start sorting through budget questions
The broadband funding crunch. Teacher pay. Rising insurance premiums. On Monday afternoon, the Senate Education Committee is starting to sort through the K-12 budget puzzle.
Luna explains data collection
Schools chief Tom Luna and his chief of staff outlined exactly what type of student information will be collected as Idaho transitions to Common Core-aligned tests.
Help wanted: Superintendents
Find out the latest on what’s happening in the searches for five school district leaders. Hiring a superintendent is one of the most important, time-consuming responsibilities volunteer school board members can face.