State Department of Education

Luna’s election announcement, Storified

It was an eventful and surprising day in Idaho political and education circles. Here’s a quick, real-time look at how the story went down Monday.

Luna won’t seek re-election

For the past year, Luna had told reporters he was planning to seek a third term. His surprise announcement could throw the state superintendent’s race wide open.

Jensen kicks off state superintendent campaign

The award-winning principal and former teacher from American Falls will run in the May 20 Republican primary where he will face John Eynon.

Senate panel sidelines P.E. rule, again

Also on hold: language that would ramp up college requirements for sixth- through 12th-grade English teachers.

Feds list problems with Idaho NCLB waiver

The State Department of Education is on the clock: The U.S. Education Department cited several compliance problems with Idaho’s No Child Left Behind act waiver. Idaho has until February to correct the problems.

Reviewers found ‘frustration’ with Schoolnet

Still, addressing the glitches makes more sense than starting over with a new system, according to a third party that reviewed the Schoolnet pilot earlier this year.

Cost of P.E. proposal raises concerns

Supporters say the increased physical education requirements will help combat obesity rates. But some school administrators say their current budgets are too lean to take on the mandate.

Federal afterschool grants up for grabs

School districts, cities, community and faith-based groups and private corporations can apply for a share of Uncle Sam’s money. Applications are due Jan. 31.

Seeking a balance on school security

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna wants to pump more state money into school security. But the state is looking to find a delicate balance: plugging holes in local systems, while relying on local, on-the-ground expertise.