IDAHO
Woodings running for secretary of state
State Rep. Holli Woodings, a Boise Democrat, pledges to defend parents’ and students’ interests on the state Land Board — and to maintain nonpartisanship in the state’s elections process.
Seventh grader introduces amphibian bill
For three years seventh-grader Ilah Hickman has pushed lawmakers to designate the Idaho giant salamander as the state’s official amphibian. On Friday, she had to debate the Senate’s No. 2 leader in hopes of having her bill printed.
Analyzing the wide open superintendent’s race
With Tom Luna out, three candidates have officially entered the race for schools superintendent. But many more are considering a run — or are rumored to be gearing up for a run.
State faces $14.45 million broadband bill
Legislative budget-writers took no action Thursday on the request, designed to keep the Idaho Education Network online. But several lawmakers were blindsided and upset at the news.
Quarles steps down, will return to BSU
Roger Quarles stepped down this week as Tom Luna’s chief deputy, after six months on the job. And Quarles is ruling out a run to succeed Luna as state superintendent.
Luna, aides grilled on Common Core test
The Senate Education Committee took no action on the assessments — tied to the new Idaho Core Standards. But several senators made it clear that they aren’t sold on the new test.
Statehouse news: Charter rankings jump
Idaho made substantial gains in a national report that grades states on their charter school laws.
Obama renews push for pre-K funding
During Tuesday’s State of the Union address, President Obama said Congress should help “make high-quality pre-K available to every 4-year-old.”
GOP candidate had third-party ties
Republican state schools superintendent candidate John Eynon recently stepped down from a state officer’s post with the Constitution Party. The party’s acting chairman says Eynon reneged on running under the third party’s banner.
Education listening session adjourns early
The meeting ended 45 minutes early after only six people wanted to testify. Education chairman says that “gives me some comfort we might be moving in the right direction.”