IDAHO

Reform advocate: Idaho can be rural leader

Citing test scores and college graduation rates, Andy Smarick said reform is needed in Idaho.

School safety bill will be amended

As written, Sen. Marv Hagedorn’s bill would require local school boards to work with sheriffs on safety and security plans.

Three rewritten labor bills resurface

The Idaho School Boards Association presents a third version of labor bills — and a bill eliminating the teacher early retirement program heads to the House floor.

Charter facilities bill passes House

Some conservatives and a dozen Democrats opposed it, but a $1.4 million charter school facilities bill is on its way to the Senate.

Statehouse roundup, 3.4.13

Beyond the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee’s K-12 budget hearing, Monday was a busy day on the education front. Here’s a roundup.

JFAC approves 2.2 percent K-12 budget increase

Legislative budget writers have approved a $1,308,365,400 public schools budget — a 2.2 percent increase for 2013-14.

DeMordaunt touts Idaho Leads Project for Common Core

Idaho Leads Project co-director Roger Quarles will offer presentations Monday to the House and Senate education committees.

U of I’s Nellis front-runner for Texas Tech post

Nellis has served as University of Idaho president since 2009. His move to Texas Tech University could become official with a Board of Regents vote in three weeks.

ISU official: sequestration could cut research

Automatic cuts affecting federal research grants could mean a $1.6 million hit for Idaho State University, according to ISU’s vice president for research and economic development