IDAHO
In brief: SBAC update, contests and more
The Common Core-aligned tests roll out across more Idaho schools. Meanwhile, the state is looking for help naming a new program, and a Boise business announces a student art contest.
Lanza yanked from task force work
Mike Lanza, a member of Gov. Butch Otter’s original education reform task force, says he was pulled shortly after joining A.J. Balukoff’s gubernatorial campaign staff.
Blaine teaches parents about technology
The Blaine County School District surveyed parents and found they want to learn about technology to get more involved in their children’s education. The district responded with a series of training courses.
Meridian leaves controversial novel in limbo
Trustees hope to find an alternative to ‘The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.’
Recall election in the works in Kuna
The recall election targets trustee Michael Law, who joined opponents in derailing a property tax levy proposal last month. Law says he will fight the recall, and another levy on the May ballot.
Otter signs final K-12 budgets
Topping the list is the teacher pay bill, which provides teachers a 1 percent raise, $15.8 million in leadership “premiums,” and a boost in starting salary.
Lawmakers partially fulfill task force goals
A closer look at what’s been done — and what needs to be done — on the 20 recommendations from Gov. Butch Otter’s education task force.
2014 session: the candidates weigh in
The five candidates to succeed Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna sharply disagree about the just-completed legislative session.
Otter signs pieces of the K-12 budget
Still sitting on Gov. Butch Otter’s desk: a bill to provide teachers a 1 percent raise and $15.8 million in leadership premiums. Otter has until April 4 to act on the bill.
Garden Valley names new superintendent
Marc Gee comes from Eastern Idaho’s Sugar-Salem schools — where he graduated high school, and returned to teach and work as a principal, assistant principal and federal programs director.