Kevin’s blog
Expert analysis and the latest news from award-winning journalist Kevin Richert.
In Wyoming, campus politics sparks a push for deep budget cuts
It’s a familiar scenario: Republican legislators in a cash-rich Western state are looking to slash higher education funding. In this case, though, Idaho is not the battleground.
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.