IDAHO

Panel recommends raises for state employees

A committee went against Gov. Butch Otter, recommending state employees receive a 1 percent raise and a 1 percent bonus. The move wouldn’t affect teacher pay, but a key legislator said he will fight for a similar boost for teachers.

Lawmakers take first run at P.E. rules

Should the state add muscle to its physical education requirements? On Friday, district education officials said the idea could undermine local control.

Lawmakers wrestle with evaluation rules

What’s the best way to evaluate principals and teachers? On both sides of the rotunda, lawmakers punted on that question Thursday.

Revenue committee backs Otter’s forecast

An 18-member legislative committee agreed the economy is improving and forecast revenue growth for next year at 6.4 percent, backing the figure Otter built his budget around.

Business leader makes appeal for Idaho Core

Bob Lokken of Idaho Business for Education endorsed K-12’s new education standards at the Boise Metro Chamber’s annual legislative luncheon. The Chamber also endorsed the standards.

JFAC leaders push for state raises

Although Gov. Otter recommended no across-the-board raises for employees, key legislators are exploring opportunities to offer workers a boost in light of low earnings reports.

New lawmaker headed to Ed Committee

Ilana Rubel, a Boise attorney appointed to the House Wednesday, will likely end up taking one of the Democrats’ three spots on the House Education Committee.

Budget writers examine school funding, pay

JFAC members signal the issue of pay and raises has not been decided yet, while some lawmakers are gearing up to define how operations funding can be spent as the state seeks to reverse recession-era budget cuts.

Idaho Core showdown looms at Statehouse

On Jan. 22, experts on both sides of the Idaho Core Standards issue will answer citizens’ questions about the standards and help lawmakers dispel myths.