Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
BSU football complex named after Bleymaier
The $22 million complex will be named in honor of Gene Bleymaier, who was Boise State University’s athletic director for nearly three decades before his 2011 firing.
Citing ‘Luna Laws,’ Democrats decry initiative bill
The Idaho Farm Bureau and a key senator want to tighten Idaho’s initiative and referendum process. Democrats say the bill would make it more difficult for voters to throw out laws — as they did last November.
Early retirement phaseout passes panel
Voting along party lines, the Senate Education Committee endorsed a plan that would, once again, eliminate an early retirement plan for teachers.
Idaho: A timber contractor for hire?
State endowment lands yielded $31.3 million for K-12 in 2012-13. Gov. Butch Otter would like Idaho to branch out — into managing federal timber sales, on a contract basis.
One charter closes; another is in jeopardy
The news comes as Idaho lawmakers are likely to once again debate charter school funding issues.
Math, science teacher hires spark a debate
State superintendent Tom Luna wants Idaho to keep pushing to hire more math and science teachers. Critics say the plan gets out ahead of Gov. Butch Otter’s education reform task force.
Teacher ‘despair’ study: taking another look
An independent audit on teacher workplace issues was a mixed bag. But one sentence, suggesting an “undercurrent of despair” in the teaching profession, has taken on a life of its own.
This week’s preview (and review)
Yes, it’s that time of year. There are a lot of moving parts at the Legislature — and lots of other news on the horizon. Can’t keep tabs on it all? We have you covered.
Personal property tax repeal: the latest
A bill to repeal the personal property tax may finally surface in the next few days. How will the details affect school districts?
College costs: running some numbers
The conventional wisdom holds that higher education in Idaho remains a bargain. Does the theory hold up? A new website allows students and parents to judge for themselves.