Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 35 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. He can be reached at krichert@idahoednews.org

Twin Falls charter school allows staffer to carry concealed firearm

Xavier Charter School joins a handful of districts and charters that allow employees to carry concealed firearms on campus.

Idaho FAFSA completion rate low — but improving

Only 49.5 percent of Idaho’s high school seniors have applied for federal college financial aid, according to a new study. Only seven states have a lower application rate.

Idaho’s college-readiness score, explained (or not)

According to U.S. News and World Report, 55.2 percent of Idaho students hit benchmark scores on college-placement tests in 2017. But that math remains a mystery.

Education Week: Studies raise doubts about pre-K benefits

The research suggests pre-K advocates “should invest time and effort in other methods that might achieve the goal of school readiness,” Education Week reported Thursday.

VanOrden rules out write-in bid for Legislature

The House Education Committee chairwoman considered a write-in bid after her upset loss in the May 15 Republican primary.

Lawmakers get a first glimpse at a new-look, streamlined funding plan

In the months to come, lawmakers will scrutinize the pros and cons of stripping away numerous K-12 line items — including the $761.6 million career ladder budget for teacher salaries.

Ybarra has missed 12 State Board meetings since 2015

Sherri Ybarra’s attendance record ranks second-worst among the State Board’s eight members. Democratic nominee Cindy Wilson has labeled the GOP incumbent a “no-show superintendent.”

Draft day? K-12 funding formula rewrite could start Wednesday

When lawmakers meet at the Statehouse Wednesday, they plan to take the first steps to draft a new formula to carve up $1.8 billion for K-12.

Analysis: A closer look at Idaho’s ‘college-ready’ ranking

Last week, U.S. News and World Report ranked Idaho No. 5 in the nation for college readiness, and education leaders and Idaho Republicans were atwitter. But overall, Idaho’s education system earned mediocre marks.

Episode 121: The Medicaid expansion butterfly effect

How could the Medicaid expansion initiative affect voter turnout — and possibly the outcome — in the races for governor, state superintendent and Legislature?