Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
Nampa district, union spar over insurance issues
While Nampa contract negotiations remain deadlocked, say union officials, employees could face hefty fines under the federal health care law. District officials disagree.
Meridian spells out case against North Star
The charter school, one of Idaho’s largest, now has 30 days to make its case — and try to convince Meridian school officials that it has a sustainable long-term financial plan.
In Coeur d’Alene, the censure that wasn’t
After about an hour of squabbling over parliamentary issues, a bid to censure Senate Education Committee Chairman John Goedde and three House Republicans fizzled out.
Help wanted. Postsecondary education needed.
Idaho is poised for impressive job growth through the decade, according to a newly released report. But most of these new jobs will require at least some postsecondary education.
Meridian board to consider charter’s fate
The Meridian School Board has a full agenda tonight — including North Star Charter School’s plan to erase a $640,000 shortfall.
What does ‘gun-free school’ really mean?
The ‘gun-free schools’ language runs counter to state law — which allows staff members to bring firearms to school, if they get the go-ahead from the school board.
A take on taxes — and the no-tax pledge
Grover Norquist, the founder of Americans for Tax Reform, was in Boise to talk immigration — but he fielded some tax policy questions along the way.
Teach for America gets State Board’s OK
On Thursday, the State Board of Education approved Teach For America’s application to train teachers in Idaho. The program encourages high-achieving college seniors to work in the classroom before launching other careers.
Senate Education chairman faces censure
Kootenai County Republicans are targeting Sen. John Goedde and three House Republicans who supported a state-run health exchange.
State moving to repair aging Salmon schools
The state will take the unusual step of bankrolling $3.6 million in repair work at two aging Salmon schools. But the actual work won’t begin until spring 2014.