Administrators say public education needs more money and a funding formula change. Reformers argue that more money isn’t necessarily the right fix.

Analysis: School officials keep their distance from polarizing mask mandates
Heading into their fourth pandemic academic year, administrators have more tools to prevent the spread of disease, and they hope the new variant will be less severe. But the science isn’t that clearcut.

Education organizations prepare for legislative session
From insurance to funding to school choice, leaders expect to encounter several “hot topics” next year.

Superintendent reflects on school shooting: ‘It was hell in all honesty’
Jefferson County’s Chad Martin shared with other school leaders how his community has healed and school procedures have changed in the wake of the life-changing day.

Reading scores. Graduation rates. Enrollment. Tax dollars.
Find out what the candidates have to say. INSIDE: Details of next week’s forums and an invite to a meet-and-greet reception.

Liebich calls out dueling narratives on education
Speaking to school administrators Wednesday, the State Board of Education president blasted Idahoans who are pushing an anti-public education agenda — and critics who say Idaho legislators are failing to fund the state’s schools.

Former ISBA chief appointed to state charter commission
Karen Echeverria, a longtime influencer of Idaho’s public education system, replaces outgoing commissioner Julie VanOrden.

State looks to expedite Empowering Parents grants
The $50 million of federally funded grants are designed to help parents address pandemic learning loss.

Payette partners with Teach for America to give summer school a new purpose
Around 60 middle and high schoolers visited Boise State University — most had never seen a college campus before and many had never been to Boise.

Nontraditional schools dominate Idaho’s SAT score Top 10 list
Engaged parents, perfectionistic students, and homework also contribute to these standout scores, principals say.

Educators credit several factors for lifting reading scores
The state’s latest early reading test showed big gains, and administrators are pointing to more than just an infusion of targeted state dollars.