However, lawmakers will have to make several key decisions on teacher pay in the next few weeks.
Idaho’s graduation rate reaches a high-water mark
Idaho’s high school graduation rate topped the 80 percent mark in 2018. “The pace is accelerating,” state superintendent Sherri Ybarra said Thursday.
Statehouse roundup, 1.17.19: Legislators take first look at proposed funding formula
Although a bill has yet to emerge, the Legislature kicked off the funding formula debate Thursday.
Kevin's Blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
A sobering critique of the nation’s ’60 percent goal’
Post Falls to seek bond issue, supplemental levy in March
Report: Idaho’s starting teacher pay ranks No. 44 nationally
Superintendent Ybarra’s schedule: January 14-18
Statehouse roundup, 1.16.19: Senate overrides House on teacher salary rule
The rule is designed to help out-of-state teachers move into a spot on Idaho’s salary career ladder.
Administrator shares documents — but no receipts — to explain financial transactions
Fred Ball gave EdNews copies of his bank and credit card statements and an estimate from Lowe’s Home Improvements to verify thousands in reimbursements from two charter schools he heads.
Bonneville narrows superintendent search
One of two recently named finalists will replace longtime Bonneville Superintendent Chuck Shackett, who is retiring at the end of this school year.
Voices
Educators, community members and students share their opinions about Idaho education.
Become a guest author.
The squeeze: A case for fairness in facilities and funding in Idaho
After 20 years, literacy remains a problem
Verse first: Why Dean Mortimer starts every week at Senate Education with a poem
The homespun poems of Edgar A. Guest aren’t just a light-hearted way to break up the humdrum of committee business, says Mortimer. They also serve as a reminder that education takes on many forms.
State Board launches higher ed data website
The public can use the new resource to access graduation and remediation rates, enrollment and more.
Teton to request information from the FBI
The district says it has never received a report stemming from the 2017 investigation.
Statehouse roundup, 1.15.19: Scholarship expansion, school safety update, mastery
The Office of School Safety and Security hopes a new confidential tip line will be up and running in March.
Charter administrators received $46,000 in unexplained payments
An EdNews investigation found at least 19 checks — one handwritten — with unusual transactions and no paper trail.
Statehouse roundup, 1.14.19: Lawmakers face a $1 million gap in STEM requests
The STEM Action Center is seeking $2 million of permanent money to grow computer science programs. Gov. Brad Little has countered with a $1 million one-time request.
Flexible seating promotes health and learning
Stand-up desks keep kids from slumping and zoning out, says Meridian teacher.
Legislature plans first hearing devoted to proposed new school funding formula
Legislators do not plan to introduce a bill during the initial Jan. 17 meeting.
Economic outlook committee lowballs Little’s revenue forecast
There is about a $100 million difference between the committee’s forecast and the more optimistic projection from Gov. Brad Little.
After her re-election, Ybarra hired campaign allies to SDE jobs
Meanwhile, a Nampa media company worked on Ybarra’s campaign, then landed taxpayer-funded work with Ybarra’s SDE, then went back to working on her campaign — all in the same year.
EdNews video goes viral after YouTube glitch
Haven’t seen it yet? Don’t miss what millions worldwide are watching.
HP to bankroll study of Idaho education system
The research could be done by June — and it comes as Gov. Brad Little is putting together a new task force to study Idaho’s education system.
Bank recovers $484,000 stolen from Teton School District
The money is part of $784,000 missing after the district’s former business manager submitted an electronic payment to what he purportedly thought was a construction company.
Statehouse roundup, 1.8.19: Education committees gear up for busy session
Rep. Ryan Kerby warned his fellow lawmakers “this year will be pretty crazy.”
Kevin's Blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
A sobering critique of the nation’s ’60 percent goal’
Idaho is struggling to convince high school graduates to continue their education. And that isn’t an isolated problem, the Hechinger Report said this week.
Post Falls to seek bond issue, supplemental levy in March
The bulk of the bond issue would go toward a new elementary school, the Coeur d’Alene Press reported. The supplemental levy is identical to one that has been on the books for two years.
Report: Idaho’s starting teacher pay ranks No. 44 nationally
The National Education Association’s numbers are dated — but they suggest Idaho’s starting teacher salaries lag behind neighboring states. Gov. Brad Little has proposed boosting the minimum salary to $40,000.
Superintendent Ybarra’s schedule: January 14-18
The state superintendent will meet with several legislators this week, including Senate Education Committee Chairman Dean Mortimer.
Voices
Educators, community members and students share their opinions about Idaho education.
Become a guest author.
The squeeze: A case for fairness in facilities and funding in Idaho
Charters in Idaho face a special financial challenge when it comes to financing their facility costs.
After 20 years, literacy remains a problem
It’s still a problem because the solution is the problem.