State Policy
EXCLUSIVE: ‘The dollar store of higher education:’ Skeptics say the Phoenix purchase would cheapen the U of I brand
Emails are the closest the public got to a public hearing on the University of Idaho’s proposal. EdNews spoke to six people who spoke up against the $685 million megadeal in May — hours before the State Board signed on.
EXCLUSIVE: Two days in May: Inside the frenzied rush to approve — and oppose — the Phoenix purchase
Idaho Education News reviewed emails to and from State Board of Education members, obtained through a public records request. The unearthed emails provide a narrative of the 24 hours leading up to the State Board’s approval of the University of Idaho’s purchase of the University of Phoenix.
Little touts results of outside Empowering Parents audit
The audit, ordered by the governor, pinpointed less than $41,000 in improper purchases, a small fraction of the $50 million of the federal funding that went into the program.
Lawmakers look to cut into bond ‘supermajority’ requirement
“People are generally getting more and more dissatisfied with the fact that we’re not able to address our aging facilities in public education,” Senate Education Committee Chairman Dave Lent told the Idaho Statesman.
U of I delays additional public records requests
EdNews has again requested documents containing the words “Project Neptune” — the U of I’s code name for the University of Phoenix. That’s one of two records requests that are on hold.
Fundraising in trustee elections: A final look
The latest round of sunshine reports put a wrap on Idaho’s 2023 school board elections.
Analysis: The State Board will have to settle a messy higher ed turf battle
Two of Idaho’s two-year schools want to offer four-year degrees — despite objections from Idaho’s four-year schools. Board members are about to pick sides.
U of I demands $2,400 to review — and perhaps release — Phoenix public records
The bill centers on Idaho Education News’ request for records mentioning “Project Neptune,” a code name for the University of Phoenix. And it comes as Boise State University’s approach to public records is also under fresh scrutiny.
Attorneys general seek to block Idaho transgender bathroom law
The Idaho law mandates that students use bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their “biological sex.” The law remains mired in federal court.
Analysis: Another high-stakes Idaho election is off to a spendy start
In 173 days, mainstream and hardline Republicans will square off for control of the Legislature. At its essence, this is a debate over the proper role of government, in education, infrastructure and tax policy.