State Policy
State still waiting on interest refund from contractor
A New York-based contractor — Primary Class, known also as Odyssey — collected nearly $500,000. The interest came off of $50 million in federal funding, set aside to cover the Empowering Parents education microgrant program.
NewU vs. NewU: The anatomy of a U of I branding dispute
The University of Idaho dropped the brand after a lawyer for Washington, D.C.-based NewU University began demanding money.
Analysis: Labrador-State Board legal fight transcends closed meetings
The lawsuit is a juicy political showdown between Attorney General Raúl Labrador and the State Board of Education — and by extension, Gov. Brad Little. Here’s why this case matters.
Of backpacks and ballet shoes: Parental group ponders an Empowering Parents gray area
A seven-member parents’ council has a big job ahead. The group’s recommendations could affect grant dollars for thousands of Idaho families.
Opponents file lawsuit over new transgender bathroom law
The complaint, filed in federal court Thursday evening, describes the new bathroom law as a “solution in search of a problem.”
Statehouse showdown over U of I-Phoenix discussion escalates
State Board of Education members entered Friday with two options: declare a do-over, or dig in for a courtroom fight with Attorney General Raul Labrador. They chose the latter.
Analysis: How Idaho’s troubled Empowering Parents vendor expanded its national brand
Odyssey made its Idaho work a centerpiece of its successful bid to run Iowa’s education savings account program. At least publicly, Odyssey gave no inkling of the problems plaguing Idaho’s Empowering Parents microgrant program.
State Board to address ‘alleged’ open meeting violation
In June, Attorney General Raúl Labrador sued the State Board over a series of closed-door meetings this spring, involving the University of Idaho’s proposed purchase of the University of Phoenix.
State Board steps up legal battle with Labrador
The State Board of Education says it will have to hire an outside attorney to defend itself in a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Raúl Labrador. And the board plans to forward its legal bills to Labrador’s office.
State review finds up to $180,000 in improper Empowering Parents purchases
The contractor has agreed to reimburse the state for the ineligible purchases. The contractor has also indicated it will reimburse the state for nearly $500,000 it collected in interest from taxpayer funds.