Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
UPDATED: Hawkins to chair House Education, as Pickett joins GOP leadership
Rep. Dale Hawkins, R-Fernwood, served as House Education vice chairman in 2025, frequently aligning with hardline conservatives on the divided panel.
Tanner takes position as JFAC co-chair
The move comes as the Legislature’s budget committee is staring at shortfalls this year and next year.
Moyle offers JFAC chairman’s spot to a member of his leadership team
The House speaker offered a vacant Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee chair’s spot to Rep. Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, Idaho Public Television reported Wednesday. Tanner was noncommittal Wednesday evening.
Medical education plan heads to Little, Legislature
The document sets the table for an ongoing legislative debate over medical education — and how the state should spend millions of dollars to support Idaho students.
Critchfield lays out blueprint for a special education funding ‘bridge’
With her $50 million proposal on hold, the state superintendent wants to use existing funds to help schools serve high-needs special education students.
UPDATED: Boise, Valley View Elementary offer new $295,000 settlement to parents
It’s unclear whether this offer is related to the $7 million in sexual abuse settlements the Boise district announced last month — or to Gavin Snow, a former special education assistant at Valley View. The district isn’t saying.
Secure Rural Schools funding bill heads to president’s desk
The bill provides funding through 2025-26, and two years of retroactive payments. Idaho schools last received $6.9 million from the program — but that was in April 2024.
By the numbers: Advanced Opportunities program grew in 2024-25
A recent Idaho Department of Education report to the Legislature outlined the program’s growth last school year.
Boise district: Many tort claims ‘appear to stem from coordinated efforts’
The Boise School District went public, and went on the offensive, releasing all of its answers to media questions about a $7 million series of sexual abuse settlements.
Boise State launches search for new CFO
The chief financial officer’s job is just one of several top administrative openings at Boise State, in addition to the president’s vacancy.