Social media provides a conversation platform for our readers.
In 2016, you spoke. We heard you.
As part of our first-ever Year in Review, here’s a rundown of some of the most memorable quotes from 2016:
- “He got a slap on the wrist. Pitiful. White privilege prevails again.” — Reader Bob McMichael’s response to a judge’s three-years probation sentence for John R.K. Howard, who was accused of using a coat hanger to assault a teammate in 2015.
- “Hallelujah! Finally.” — Reader Sarah Casper in response to breaking news that Idaho’s reading indicator for grade schoolers awaits a rewrite.
- “It’s a lot of work. But it’s the right work.” — Reading specialist Loni Westrick on teachers’ responsibilities to help students learn to read.
- “So sweet and adorable my heart just melted down.” — Reader Ingrid Bianca on our video documenting a tear-filled first grader’s first day of school.
- “Has there ever been a time in the history of American education when educators didn’t say they needed more money?” Reader Ted Miller in response to a State Board of Education survey in which educators lamented the financial state of their schools.
- “There was nothing about it that was hidden.” — Schools chief Sherry Ybarra in response to an independent audit that claimed 99 percent of teacher evaluations screened were inaccurate or incomplete.
- “The audit raises serious concerns regarding the teacher evaluation process.” — State Board of Education president Emma Achley in response to the independent audit that found 99 percent of teacher evaluations screened were inaccurate or incomplete.
- “Legalize pot. Money issue solved. Quit overtaxing hardworking middle-class Americans!” — Reader Phil Hiller on news that Idaho’s supplemental tax bill hit an all-time record in 2016.
- “Good. Stop moving the target.” — Reader Sherry Belknap on Ybarra’s backpedal on changing the state’s teacher evaluation model.
- “Fairly easy method when you work with a handpicked clientele.” — Reader Jennifer Murdock on one East Idaho educator’s move to start her own charter school.
- “Wow! So worth reading!” — Reader Ray Iyall on a story about a cancer-stricken school janitor in Blackfoot who leaves encouraging messages on chalkboards during his night shift.
