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

Thayn to seek re-election, face Grow in GOP primary

Redistricting put GOP Sens. Steven Thayn and C. Scott Grow into a redrawn legislative district, which takes in Gem County and northwest Ada County.

Statehouse roundup, 3.1.22: New standards legislation emerges

The current math, English language arts and science standards have drawn the ire of many lawmakers. House Education Chairman Lance Clow wants the state to replace all of them, effective July 1.

A week of encouraging Idaho coronavirus trends

New case numbers continued to head downward — across the state and in schools as well. Other metrics were encouraging as well.

Election Notes: Feb. 28-March 4

3.4.22: A Friday filing roundup There weren’t any surprises Friday, as the first week of the two-week candidate filing period drew to a close. Here are a few notable filings: Branden Durst. The former Democratic legislator made it official, filing for the state superintendent’s race on the GOP ticket. He joins Republican incumbent Sherri Ybarra…

Episode 43: Candidate interview, Debbie Critchfield

The May 17 primary elections are looming. And Kevin Richert’s podcast is beginning to shift into campaign mode. We’ve invited candidates in the key statewide primaries to appear on the podcast. This week, we interview Debbie Critchfield, a former State Board of Education president running for superintendent of public instruction on the Republican ticket. Watch…

Analysis: Will all-day kindergarten pass this year? It’s complicated.

Many lawmakers seem ready to fund all-day kindergarten, but they can’t seem to decide what it should look like. The Senate Education Committee could work on the issue Monday.

ISBA severs its ties with controversial national organization

The move comes five months after the National School Boards Association said threats and intimidation at trustee meetings could amount to domestic terrorism.

Election notes: Feb. 21-25

2.24.22: Toone will not seek re-election Democratic Rep. Sally Toone — a teacher and a member of the House Education Committee — will step down after this term. “I will continue to passionately support our local communities and schools as I finish my final term,” Toone, D-Gooding, said in a news release Thursday. “But that…

Coronavirus case rates continue to slow

Idaho’s largest school districts, and most college campuses, reported decreases in new coronavirus cases last week.

Episode 42: A conversation with Alex LaBeau of IACI

The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry is one of the Statehouse’s most influential lobbying groups. And while the business group is focused largely on corporate concerns, IACI also is active on education issues as well. This week, Kevin Richert interviews IACI President Alex LaBeau about the 2022 session — and the upcoming elections. Idaho…