Kevin Richert
Senate passes Idaho Launch bills, as incentive plan nears finish line
The program, one of Gov. Brad Little’s top education priorities, would allow high school graduates to receive up to $8,000 to attend community college, pursue a career-technical education certificate or complete workforce training.
Analysis: The Legislature changes the rules on building schools … for better or worse
The tradeoff for schools: Give up one of your four election dates — a crucial one — in exchange for $100 million. And the possibility of more money down the road, but there are no guarantees.
Senate signs off on property tax overhaul
The bill would provide $100 million for school districts to put into property tax relief — but eliminate the March school election date. The bill now goes to Gov. Brad Little.
Analysis: Private tuition bill passes one milestone, but it faces an uncertain path
For the first time, the Idaho Senate has said yes to putting public dollars into private school tuition. Now, the proposal is likely to go to a skeptical House Education Committee.
Statehouse roundup, 3.14.23: Boise State building project survives … barely
In other Statehouse news, the debate over the Idaho Launch postsecondary incentives program is headed to the Senate floor.
JFAC says yes to teacher pay raises, boost in classified salaries
The budget bills mirror many of Gov. Brad Little’s K-12 priorities. Newly elected state superintendent Debbie Critchfield notched a couple of wins as well.
JFAC approves a higher ed budget — despite sharp divisions on priorities
The budget could still defund 56 diversity, equity and inclusion positions. And it might not be enough to head off a tuition increase.
Analysis: The real work on education is just getting started
Over the next two days, higher education and K-12 spending proposals will shell out more than $2.8 billion of taxpayer money, or about 57% of next year’s state budget. Yes, it’s crunch time.
Idaho Launch bill runs into more choppy air
Gov. Brad Little’s controversial $102 million plan to address labor shortages and worker training could get a late-session makeover.
NIC trustees agree to reinstate Swayne
Nick Swayne is back at the helm at the embattled community college. But In a divided vote, trustees voted to keep interim president Gregory South on paid leave.