IDAHO

Evaluation bill draws fire from ed groups

Supporters say the bill is designed to include parents and students in the evaluation process, but three key education groups say the legislation is flawed.

Sage charter to expand into vacant mall

Renovations at a ParkCenter Blvd. building will allow Sage International to double its student population to 1,000 by 2015.

House passes “use it or lose it” bill

The bill cleared the House 68-0 despite concerns from education stakeholders and school officials that a piece of data central to the bill does not exist.

Parental rights bill heads to House floor

Idaho Falls Rep. Janet Trujillo’s bill would state that parents have “a right, responsibility and obligation” to participate in the education of their children.

Education news roundup: Monday, March 3

With legislators hoping to adjourn by March 21, two competing student data security bills are in the works. And the state names a committee to oversee the field test of Idaho’s Common Core exam.

Otter files for third term

Rather than stage a campaign event during the ongoing legislative session, Otter and his team filed the official candidate paperwork and released a list of backers and organizers.

Pilot pre-school program moves forward

House Education Committee members agree — but not unanimously — to print a bill that would provide half-day preschool to about 100 Idaho students. Also inside, news on two other pieces of education legislation that move forward.

JFAC calls for 5.1 percent increase

The proposed budget includes a 1 percent raise for teachers, and $15.8 million in teacher “premiums.”

Grover talks up his Idaho roots

The Melba superintendent formally announced his candidacy for state superintendent of public instruction and emphasized that he was born, raised and educated in Idaho. He and his wife of nearly 20 years are both fifth generation Idahoans.

House passes broadband funding bill

A $6.6 million supplemental budget — intended to keep a troubled high school broadband program up and running — cleared a major legislative hurdle Friday.