IDAHO

Education news roundup: Monday, Feb. 17

Charter school advocates hit the Statehouse — and highly decorated teachers hit the Legislature’s education committees.

Delegation watches broadband issue from afar

Idaho’s congressional delegation received a briefing on the Idaho Education Network funding mess last week — but lawmakers are taking a wait-and-see approach.

Seven months later, Nampa OKs contract

And the parties will return to the table — next week — to start talking about the 2014-15 contract.

Education themes dominate budget hearing

Parents, educators and stakeholders turned out in large numbers to support education programs.

Teacher ‘premium’ bill makes its debut

The $15.9 million proposal is seen as a down payment on a $253 million teacher career salary ladder. But Gov. Butch Otter has recommended no pay raises for teachers.

Education news roundup: Thursday, Feb. 13

Leading Thursday’s roundup: A bill to provide $10 million in income tax credits for individuals or companies that support private school scholarship funds resurfaces. Plus, the latest on new physical education requirements.

Ed chairmen double down on task force

Rep. Reed DeMordaunt and Sen. John Goedde again called for support of the task force recommendations — especially supporting Gov. Butch Otter’s call to spend $35 million to partially restore recession era cuts schools absorbed.

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.