Kevin’s blog

Common Core constitutional questions (UPDATED)

The 10th Amendment gives the federal government little say over school curriculum, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna told Kootenai County Republicans Thursday. A local school trustee was skeptical.

School elections: a reading roundup

Another round of school elections is less than two weeks. If you’re looking to get caught up, here’s a place to start.

Nampa high school pilots security badges

The security system — modeled after badges in use in mental health hospitals — allows staffers to send out alerts to colleagues, or call 911.

College readiness: a long view from Boise

What does it take to encourage students to attend college — and prepare them for postsecondary education? One ingredient, says Boise superintendent Don Coberly, is a patient commitment to a process.

Troubled Eagle charter school submits financial plan

The North Star Charter School says it has secured $133,000 to stay afloat, the Idaho Statesman reports. The school also wants the Meridian School Board to sign off on a loan restructuring plan.

Grad season story ideas? Pass them on

It’s graduation season across the state. And at Idaho Education News, we’re looking for a few good story ideas.

Labrador’s Common Core cone of silence

Where does Raul Labrador — Idaho’s 1st District congressman and possible gubernatorial candidate — stand on the Common Core controversy? Idaho Education News asked. A week ago.

Outsourced custodians can apply for their jobs

Custodians in the cash-strapped Nampa School District can show up at a Saturday job fair to apply for work. Meanwhile, the district is leaning against outsourcing nutritionists’ jobs.

Endowment watch: Most cabin owners stay put

Despite a continued controversy over the value of the state’s scenic lakeside sites, 95 percent of summer cabin owners have applied to keep their leases.

Smylie ‘resisting’ another superintendent’s run

Steve Smylie, a teacher and former state representative, says he’s been approached about making another run for state schools superintendent in 2014. But the Boise Republican says he’s leaning against it for now.