Kevin Richert and Blake Jones

The 2022 Legislature gavels out: Let’s review the historic year for education

Here’s a recap of the impacts on teachers, school employees, parents, students and taxpayers.

Statehouse roundup, 3.25.22: Legislature passes libraries budget, heads closer to adjournment

Earlier Friday, the Senate sent a $46.6 million K-3 literacy funding boost and a $50 million budget for an education grant program to Gov. Brad Little’s desk.

Statehouse roundup, 3.24.22: Idaho House kills library commission budget over ‘obscene materials’

“You think that maybe sending a message doesn’t matter? I guarantee sending a message matters,” Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, said.

Statehouse roundup, 3.21.22: Higher ed budget sails to Little’s desk

INSIDE: Idaho teachers and administrators can more or less bank on $1,000 bonuses.

Statehouse roundup, 3.18.22: All-day kindergarten bill remains in limbo, but an alternative path emerges

In other news: Senators approved a school funding switch and put the brakes on increasing school bus speed limits.

Statehouse roundup, 3.16.22: School staff bonuses pass; rural teacher incentives head to Little’s desk

Lawmakers also approved allowing charter schools to award charter-specific teaching certificates to non-certified teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree. Those new teachers wouldn’t be able to teach in traditional schools.

Statehouse roundup, 3.15.22: Rural incentive, charter certification bills head to House floor

The bills represent two very different approaches to the teacher shortage.

Statehouse roundup, 3.11.22: JFAC finishes its work, at least for now

In other Friday legislative news, the House Education Committee OK’d a resolution denouncing “critical race theory.”

Statehouse roundup, 3.10.22: Senate OKs kindergarten bill; standards overhaul heads to Senate floor

INSIDE: Senate Ed signed off on replacing Idaho academic standards, and a school bus speed boost keeps on rolling.

Statehouse roundup, 3.9.22: ‘Harmful materials’ bill is likely dead; kindergarten bill comes back to life

House Bill 666 could have opened school, library and museum employees up to a maximum $1,000 fine and a year in jail.