2014 Legislature
Evaluation bill draws fire from ed groups
Supporters say the bill is designed to include parents and students in the evaluation process, but three key education groups say the legislation is flawed.
Pre-K backers continue their push
Pre-K programs can better young people for a future in anything from high-tech college majors to the military, two early education advocacy groups said Tuesday.
Parental rights bill heads to House floor
Idaho Falls Rep. Janet Trujillo’s bill would state that parents have “a right, responsibility and obligation” to participate in the education of their children.
Education news roundup: Monday, March 3
With legislators hoping to adjourn by March 21, two competing student data security bills are in the works. And the state names a committee to oversee the field test of Idaho’s Common Core exam.
JFAC leaves tech details on hold
Two small but contentious pieces of the $1.7 billion budget are unresolved — high school WiFi technology and the Schoolnet instructional management system.
Tech contract controversies: an outline
Two big contracts. A lot of moving parts. And big decisions for state officials. The Idaho Education Network broadband battle and the WiFi project controversy, explained.
Movement on the pre-K bill
A pre-K pilot bill will get its initial legislative hearing Monday. But as the session heads into its final weeks, the chances of passage would still appear to be remote.
Former ENA staffer on Otter’s campaign
In September, Martin Bilbao left Education Networks of America, a contractor that holds contentious school broadband and WiFi contracts. Bilbao joined Gov. Butch Otter’s campaign staff in October.
Chairman’s bill phases out budget flexibility
The new bill would keep the program in place for the next school year, but then would begin phasing it out.
Broadband contract surprises lawmakers
The state extended the Idaho Education Network broadband contract through 2019 — a year ahead of schedule, the Spokane Spokesman-Review reported Tuesday.