Teacher benefits
Frustration and questions mount as schools resolve how to cover benefit trust shortfall
There should have been safeguards to prevent the trust from depleting reserves, one business manager said.
School board business
Middleton approves $3 million November levy proposal
Parental accountability
Parents are being held responsible for their kids’ crimes under new laws
Workforce development
Micron opens new training center in partnership with CWI
Spelling it out
Spelling it Out: The Idaho Public Charter School Commission
Higher education
U of I hires first presidential endowed academic chair
Charter schools
Charter commission approves ‘final’ Gem Prep school
School board business
Coeur d’Alene donates portables to wildfire-damaged Washington district
School facilities
Emmett High’s dome days may be numbered
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Episode 2: Demystifying the Idaho School Benefit Trust
A benefit trust that thousands of teachers rely on to pay medical claims has run out of money.
Special Series
The Idaho School Benefit Trust ran out of money in 2026 — leaving nearly 100 districts and charters to confront a health insurance crisis that had been building for years.
The trust’s fund balance fell from $22.5 million in 2021 to $2.1 million in just four years. Manager Debbie Hainke notified members of a shortfall in July but has declined to provide members or EdNews with financial documents.
EdNews has tracked the trust’s unraveling through public records, interviews and reporting. Our continuing coverage will investigate the ultimate cost to teachers and taxpayers.
Opinion
Spelling it Out
This series aims to break down complex terms, ideas, and jargon in education and become a resource for taxpayers, educators, parents, and students.