A record-shattering surplus sets high expectations for education spending and tax relief. No one is going to walk away completely satisfied.
News
The latest and breaking news and investigative reports about Idaho public education.
Profane exchange between Republicans follows rejection of parental rights bill
Capitol police interceded twice between the exchanges involving state superintendent’s candidate Branden Durst, co-sponsor of a failed parental rights bill, and state Sen. Jim Woodward, one of the bill’s opponents.
Newly elected trustees take over Nampa school board leadership
The new chair and vice chair lead split-vote victories on hiring a new clerk and changing the district’s pandemic response plan.
Omicron and flu season combine to force school closures
School leaders say illnesses in bus drivers, cooks and teachers have hampered their ability to get kids to school, feed them and teach them.
Statehouse roundup, 1.18.22: Deadlocked committee kills parental freedom bill
Co-authored by Republican state superintendent’s candidate Branden Durst, the Idaho Parental Freedom in Education Act said parental rights “are not granted by the government, but are divinely given.”
$600 million income tax proposal heads to the Idaho House floor
What would be the largest tax cut in Idaho history provides tax rebates and reduces income rates.
Two East Idaho districts to float a combined $105 million in bond issues
Both growing districts are planning to ask voters in March to pay for new schools and other upgrades.
Statehouse roundup, 1.17.22: School staff health insurance bill emerges
The proposal would accomplish two things on Gov. Brad Little’s education to-do list: setting aside funding for school districts to join the state insurance plan, and phasing out a “leadership premium” program.
Ybarra makes her budget pitch — and discusses pandemic learning loss
Legislative budget-writers spent two hours on the state superintendent’s K-12 budget request. Election-year politics — and a record-setting $1.9 billion surplus — will complicate their job.
Sherri Ybarra’s budget hearing: a listener’s guide
The state superintendent will be before the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee Monday morning.