IDAHO
Education news roundup: Thursday, Feb. 6
Fees for teacher background checks may be going up. Get the latest on this bill — and more Statehouse activity.
Data security bill makes its debut
Sen. John Goedde’s six-page bill, printed Wednesday, contains detailed definitions of what is — and isn’t — student data. The leak of confidential data could result in fines of up to $50,000.
JFAC cautious about broadband request
The Legislature’s budget-writers have no timetable for deciding whether to put $14.45 million into Idaho’s high school broadband system. First, they want more answers about the system’s budget crunch.
Senate Ed advances dual-credit bill
The bill would help high school juniors and senior pay for college courses while still in high school, but lawmakers and education stakeholders wrestled over paying for the program’s estimated $3 million price tag.
Luna: WiFi hookups will hit deadline
During a briefing on the high-profile WiFi contract Tuesday morning, state superintendent Tom Luna fielded a wide range of questions — with a few tougher questions thrown in.
Education news roundup: Monday, Feb. 3
The House Education Committee OKs a bill to create a new teaching award, and a $604,000 ag initiative gets initial approval in the Senate Education Committee.
Gooding educator considering super race
Gooding’s Heather Williams said she would like to run for state superintendent but before declaring, is weighing all of her options.
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.