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

Another Boise trustee candidate drops out

Zach Borah appeared to be aligned with four other candidates who dropped out of the race over the weekend.

$1,381,211,927: Idaho’s surplus swells to a new record

The news of the record-smashing surplus was no surprise. And it sets up the 2023 Legislature’s debate over education spending, tax cuts and other budget wish-list items.

Episode 61: A huge surplus, and a big convention

Idaho is closing the books on a record-setting budget surplus. And the Idaho Republican Party just wrapped up a state convention that veered the party sharply to the right. Both developments will shape the 2023 legislative session. To explain it all, Kevin Richert talks with Idaho Capital Sun reporter (and friend of the podcast) Clark…

Analysis: GOP education platform caters to (or kowtows to) conservatives

The energy within the Idaho GOP is coming from the right. And this rank and file will seek to exert pressure on the debate over everything from abortion to education.

After $6 million, Idaho’s online higher ed program moves closer to launch

Federal coronavirus aid has paid to build Online Idaho, a portal designed to help students take online college courses from all over the state. So far, only one student has registered through the program, but a State Board of Education pilot is planned for fall semester.

Analysis: Will a surplus change the way Idaho pays for its schools?

Lawmakers have long resisted using state dollars to build or repair schools — leaving the burden and the bill to local property owners. But now, the state is sitting on a record $1.3 billion budget surplus.

Coeur d’Alene trustees approve contract

Teacher salaries in the district will increase by 3.25%.

Some schools with all-day kindergarten see a surge in reading scores

Idaho Education News looked at the spring reading scores in 60 districts and charters with all-day kindergarten. The findings provide a few hints about possible correlations between all-day kinder and literacy.

How one IRI high flier fell through the cracks

At Taylor’s Crossing Public Charter School in Idaho Falls, more than 95% of kindergarten through third-grade students scored at grade level this spring, according to a state report.

Boise trustee candidate field swells at filing deadline

Eighteen candidates are running for five trustee spots. The election is Sept. 6.