2014 Legislature
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.
House speaker clips Thompson’s wings
Rep. Jeff Thompson, an Idaho Falls Republican and possible state superintendent’s candidate, is told to taper off on his taxpayer-financed travel.
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.
Senators chew over Schoolnet project
The state has made progress on fixing problems with a multimillion-dollar student information system, an Education Department official said Tuesday. But senators still have questions about its long-range future.
Otter defends broadband project (w/VIDEO)
Gov. Butch Otter also speaks out against across-the-board raises for teachers and state employees — and discusses his plans for funding recommendations from his education reform task force.
Butch Otter meets the press, Storified
Gov. Butch Otter fields questions about a troubled Idaho school broadband project, pay raises — and much more. Here’s a rundown.
A Common Core reaction bill?
Sen. Russ Fulcher wants the Legislature to approve, by law, any future multistate agreements on testing, standards or data collection.
House passes teacher awards bill
A bill allowing lawmakers to recognize 105 teachers per year advances to the Senate after just barely squeaking through the House.
Tom Luna charts his exit strategy
Outgoing state superintendent Tom Luna hopes to take some of the politics out of the debate over education policy. Will things work out that way?
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.