2017 Idaho Legislature
Auditors: Most special education spending is not tied to need
Idaho spent $294 million on special education in 2014-15 — with only a sliver of the programs tied directly to the needs of its 29,700 special education students.
At the Statehouse next week, focus turns to K-12 funding issues
Two legislative committees will convene next week to take a closer look at how Idaho funds its schools.
GOP stays the course in leadership elections
On Thursday, GOP leadership will pick a new chair for the House Education Committee — and fill other committee assignments.
Otter hints at tough debates over K-12 funding, tax cuts
The governor restated his support for Idaho’s five-year plan to boost teacher salaries. However, he said, “This is going to be the toughest year.”
State Board: High school students shouldn’t be required to pass ISAT
There’s nothing new about this idea; this year’s seniors aren’t required to pass the standardized test either. Legislators will have the final word on making this language permanent.
Democrats outspent Republicans in runup to legislative elections
Democrats tried to protect seats in competitive legislative districts, and make perhaps make inroads in battleground districts. Instead, Democrats lost four seats on Nov. 8.
State’s projected budget surplus continues to swell
The projected $132.5 million surplus could set the stage for a lengthy legislative debate over priorities — such as K-12 spending or tax cuts.
Analysis: What a Trump presidency might mean for K-12
The president-elect endorses school vouchers and condemns Common Core. But these positions won’t necessarily find traction, even in a GOP-dominated Statehouse.
Election preview 2016 — with an eye toward education
Everything from control of the White House to control of the Statehouse is up for grabs Nov. 8.
State Board sifting through survey on school funding
About 2,100 Idahoans responded to an online survey about the state’s school funding formula.