Kevin Richert's analysis
Next winter, Idaho will spend about $6 billion — but it’s pretty much carved up already
This week, state superintendent Debbie Critchfield and Idaho’s colleges and universities turned in no-frills budget requests for 2027-28. There will still be budget debates next legislative session — just on the margins.
Mountain View Deconsolidation
Rolling out the red carpet: Clearwater Valley, Grangeville start school as new districts
School Board Business
Prosecutor: No update on Lakeland open meeting complaint
State government
Idaho college savings program gets a new name, website
Transportation
Boise unveils eight electric buses
National news
Online career training is growing – does it work?
School board business
Middleton approves $3 million November levy proposal
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We regularly file public records requests, ask tough questions and follow the paper trail. Under Watch documents the challenges we encounter along the way — including unanswered requests, missing documents and denied or redacted records that deserve public scrutiny.
The EdNews Show Ep. 3: Talking elections with Jaclyn Kettler
All 105 legislative seats and seven statewide offices are up for grabs. A U.S. Senate candidate dropped out. Plus Idahoans will vote on the state’s near-total abortion ban.
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.
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.