State Policy
New report renews concerns about a massive K-12 virtual school
The report brings the Idaho Home Learning Academy’s $22.5 million money trail into sharp and stark focus. Gov. Brad Little found the report both thorough and troubling.
Analysis: Facing a cashflow crunch, lawmakers will seek more control over state spending
The most powerful committee in the Statehouse has flexed its muscle in recent sessions, spelling out where and how agencies should spend taxpayer money. Look for more of the same next year.
A Boise State public records request leads to a rare, costly court dispute
A university professor took her public records complaint to court. A judge sided with Boise State. But taxpayers could be on the hook for close to $45,000.
Judge hears arguments in Oneida funding lawsuit
The Oneida School District says a 2024 state law took away at least $7.8 million that the district expected to put toward a $29 million elementary school project. The state’s attorneys want the case dismissed.
State agency budget requests could exceed revenue by $555 million
If lagging tax collections don’t rebound, to plug the hole, the Legislature could reject the requests or lean on savings — or a combination of both.
Multimillion-dollar K-12 funding dispute returns to court
A state law stripped away at least $7.8 million for a new elementary school, imposing an “unexpected financial burden” on local property owners, Oneida School District attorneys say. A state attorney says the state can and should collect voter-approved taxes for the school.
How Medicaid affects — and doesn’t affect — the special education equation
The federal program covers about $50 million to $60 million in special education costs per year. But Idaho still faces a $100 million special education shortfall, state superintendent Debbie Critchfield says.
Middleton secures state funding to build new elementary school
A state panel approved $11.1 million from a revived loan program. But there’s a catch.
‘This process deserves more time:’ State Board leans into a long Boise State search
The now-extended presidential search could well continue through the 2025-26 academic year.
LC State president ramps up push for rebrand, touts enrollment milestone
University status would help a growing Lewis-Clark State College attract students to campus, President Cynthia Pemberton says.