Kevin’s blog

Nampa ups the ante in union negotations

A new law, with roots in Proposition 1, allows school districts to require unions to prove they represent at least 50 percent of a district’s staff. The Nampa School District was quick to put this law into practice.

Boise trustee decries Common Core ‘hysteria’

A few tidbits from the Common Core front: A Boise School Board member defends the controversial standards, saying they will deliver ‘long-term benefits’ for the district’s 25,000 students.

Treasure Valley students outpace Idaho peers, slightly

Treasure Valley education, business and nonprofit leaders have a lofty goal for local graduates — and a new “report card” spells out the magnitude of the task.

The task force’s eight (unanswered) questions

Going to the education task force hearing in Boise Thursday? Here’s what the task force wants to discuss. And here’s a hint: Common Core isn’t on the list, even obliquely.

Prom shot glass saga: another round

A Jerome High School student says the school prom shot glass controversy has her rethinking running for student council.

Scouting the K-12 interim committee

A legislative “interim committee” on education will be officially named in late May. But behind the scenes, some of the pieces are starting to fall into place.

Elections 2014: blockbuster or bore?

Even with many big races up for grabs, could the 2014 Idaho elections turn out to be a snoozer? A veteran Idaho political watcher floats the theory.

Is Idaho’s surplus really good news?

The Idaho Legislature wrapped up its work two weeks ago, leaving a projected $60 million surplus. That comes at the expense of schools and services, says a budget think tank.

Student arrested in Hailey bomb threat

Thursday’s bomb threat forced an evacuation and shutdown at Wood River High School. A sophomore is facing a felony charge.

Cash-strapped district outsources custodial work

The Nampa School District hopes this outsourcing plan will save about $300,000 — and it may not be the last move of this sort.