Idaho could put some of a record-shattering $800 million windfall into all-day kindergarten, or any number of education programs. The state is awash in enough cash to address a lot of issues — or start a lot of fights.
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State Board endorses full-day kindergarten
The board also dropped a college entrance exam requirement, OK’d a plan for spending $440 million in federal COVID aid and gave the green light to another cybersecurity degree.
McGeachin names indoctrination task force replacement
Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin has chosen Pete Coulson to replace ISBA President-elect Jason Knopp on her task force. Though little information was provided about Coulson, a man by the same name introduced McGeachin as she announced her candidacy for governor.
Student surveys find emotional engagement lower than other areas
More than 20 percent of the 185,000 students who responded to the survey were emotionally “disengaged” from school.
Charter commission flags finances at four schools
Monticello Montessori Charter, Peace Valley Charter, Bingham Academy and The Village Charter each received notices of fiscal concern Thursday.
Analysis: Report raises important questions about two fast-growing programs
In one year, Idaho spent about $3 million on coursework and scholarships for students who didn’t pursue college. Legislative researchers take a hard look at the state’s popular Advanced Opportunities and Opportunity Scholarship programs.
Feds hand down equity-focused rules for coronavirus relief spending
The new rules are meant to prevent states from cutting funding in districts that are receiving a larger share of per-pupil funding from the feds, effectively zeroing out built-in equity measures.
Ammon charter school violated eight special education laws, according to state investigation
The State Department of Education has found Monticello Montessori Charter School in violation of multiple requirements under both the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Idaho Special Education Manual.
ISBA rep leaves indoctrination task force, decrying ‘partisan campaigning’
Idaho School Boards Association President-elect Jason Knopp reproached the task force’s composition and the way it carried out its recent inaugural meeting.
Analysis: McGeachin’s political strategy, unmasked
Last week, the lieutenant governor combined brilliant politics with slapdash policymaking. What better way to foreshadow a wild ride of a 2022 gubernatorial race?