IDAHO
New teacher salary, higher education budgets emerge
Budget-writers voted to put another $1 million into the K-12 salaries bill. Then, on a divided vote, they sliced $2.5 million from higher education.
Most Idaho elementary schools find ways to provide all-day kindergarten
The state pays for only half-day kindergarten, but administrators find other sources to make up the difference.
Legislative roundup, 4.26.21: Nondiscrimination bill heads to Little’s desk
It took the Senate three hours to push through the bill targeting concepts such as critical race theory. In other Statehouse news, a bill prohibiting mask mandates appears dead for the session.
Campus coronavirus roundup, 4.26.21: Cases inch upward at Boise State, BYU-Idaho
Spring semester is winding down across the state. This week, Idaho State University is on a delayed spring break; next week, the semester will wrap up online.
Education news from around Idaho
Nampa students are running a snack-drive, Boise students are rallying around Simpson’s Salmon plan and more.
Legislative roundup, 4.22.21: House passes new “nondiscrimination” bill after marathon day of debates
This bill could break the legislative logjam budget debates have created. And that could bring an end to a historically long session that costs taxpayers more each day.
Charter executive disciplined for paying hundreds of thousands to companies her family owns
Laura Sandidge, Head of School for Another Choice Virtual Charter, was issued a letter of reprimand by the Professional Standards Commission.
Analysis: By staying silent, the State Board loses the education narrative
On Thursday, new State Board President Kurt Liebich called the 2021 session a missed opportunity — with little attention paid to learning loss in the wake of the pandemic.
‘This is a bad idea:’ Presidents criticize student fee opt-out push
Legislators are pushing to allow college students to opt out of some fees. University leaders say the move could undermine elected student government groups — and jeopardize campus services.
Legislative roundup, 4.21.21: Anti-sectarianism bill gets a rewrite; McGeachin’s indoctrination task force takes shape
In other news, the Idaho Lottery will continue to offer the Powerball game, which provides dividends to public schools.