News
Charter buildings stipend bill introduced
At two recent “listening sessions,” charter school advocates clamored for more money. But this bill, creating a $1.4 million stipend for charter facilities, is likely to face a Statehouse battle.
Record number of students taking AP courses
The number of Idaho high school graduates who have taken an AP exam increased by 75 percent over the past 10 years.
Idaho prepares for its second SAT day
Nearly 17,000 Idaho high school juniors took the SAT last spring, at the state’s expense. But only one in four made the grade for career and college readiness.
SCF ‘funding fix’ plan sails through the House
The next stop for the $30 million funding plan is the Senate. Education Committee Chairman John Goedde and Vice Chairman Dean Mortimer are co-sponsors of the bill.
Scholarship makeover passes House Ed
Bills to revamp Idaho college scholarships, encourage e-delivery of teacher contracts and tweak the state’s college savings plan are headed to the House floor, with the House Education Committee’s blessing.
School boards: Tax repeal bill isn’t ‘workable’
The Idaho School Boards Association is joining cities and counties in opposition to the first draft of a bill to repeal $141 million in business personal property taxes.
For IEN, a year of ‘staggering’ growth
High school students took 88 years’ work of college credits over the Idaho Education Network last fall. Now, the IEN is encouraging schools to find new ways to tap the broadband technology.
JFAC agrees with Otter’s spending plan
Budget writers endorse a 3 percent increase in overall state spending, which could mean more money for education.
State Board makes pitch for $34 million
State Board of Education members recommend spending most of the education reform task force money on compensation, based on a district’s location and performance,
Early retirement plan faces renewed scrutiny
An early retirement program for teachers would cost the state $3.6 million in 2013-14. Lawmakers such as Sen. Clifford Bayer, R-Boise, believe that money is better spent elsewhere in education.