IDAHO
School budget talks yield ‘path forward’
House and Senate members met late Monday, seeking to reach an public school budget agreement that could end the 2013 legislative session this week.
School districts fight student fee lawsuit
Attorneys representing dozens of Idaho school districts want a judge to toss out a lawsuit that says school student fees violate the state’s Constitution. A judge took the appeal under advisement.
Longtime Boise school trustee dies of cancer
Janet Orndorff — a former teacher and longtime volunteer for Boise schools — had served on the district’s board since 1990.
Senate OK’s committee to study K-12 education
The “interim committee” received final approval on the Senate floor Monday — and the group’s work scope is more far-reaching than Gov. Butch Otter’s education task force.
One labor bill revived; another appears dead
Giving themselves a second chance, senators approved a bill allowing school districts to cut salaries and contract days. But a controversial “last best offer” labor bill is on hold, likely for the session.
Lawmakers heading home, K-12 budget in flux
Legislators are working a short day before the Easter weekend, with no K-12 budget solution in the offing. A Plan B might start in the Senate, House Education Committee Chairman Reed DeMordaunt said Friday.
Search for K-12 budget solution stalls
After Wednesday’s surprise Senate vote, Idaho political leaders are struggling to piece together a compromise budget plan for public schools. But the process is on hold.
Senate passes charter school bills
A divided Senate approved a complicated funding bill that would give charter schools $1.4 million in facilities stipends in 2013-14.
House backs representation bargaining bill
Two labor and bargaining bills sponsored by the Idaho School Boards Association head to Gov. Butch Otter’s desk.
Senate rejects public schools budget
The 17-18 vote returns the $1.3 billion budget to square one. GOP leaders Sen. John Goedde and Sen. Dean Cameron took separate sides of the debate.