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

Parental rights bill heads to House floor

Idaho Falls Rep. Janet Trujillo’s bill would state that parents have “a right, responsibility and obligation” to participate in the education of their children.

Education news roundup: Monday, March 3

With legislators hoping to adjourn by March 21, two competing student data security bills are in the works. And the state names a committee to oversee the field test of Idaho’s Common Core exam.

JFAC leaves tech details on hold

Two small but contentious pieces of the $1.7 billion budget are unresolved — high school WiFi technology and the Schoolnet instructional management system.

Nampa names superintendent’s finalists

The public will have the chance to meet the superintendents’ finalists at a reception Monday evening.

Tech contract controversies: an outline

Two big contracts. A lot of moving parts. And big decisions for state officials. The Idaho Education Network broadband battle and the WiFi project controversy, explained.

Across Idaho, levy election day approaches

Property tax decisions loom in large and small districts alike.

Movement on the pre-K bill

A pre-K pilot bill will get its initial legislative hearing Monday. But as the session heads into its final weeks, the chances of passage would still appear to be remote.

Education news roundup: Wednesday, Feb. 26

The latest on employee grievances, State Board of Education vacancies — and a Boise student’s bill honoring the Idaho giant salamander.

Former ENA staffer on Otter’s campaign

In September, Martin Bilbao left Education Networks of America, a contractor that holds contentious school broadband and WiFi contracts. Bilbao joined Gov. Butch Otter’s campaign staff in October.

Broadband contract surprises lawmakers

The state extended the Idaho Education Network broadband contract through 2019 — a year ahead of schedule, the Spokane Spokesman-Review reported Tuesday.