Gov. Butch Otter

Otter: Extend Idaho’s five-year plan for K-12

“If you bring peace to the school yard, you’ll bring peace to the Legislature,” the retiring governor said last week, in a speech covered by Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press.

‘Don’t give up on anybody:’ Otter’s commencement speech on education

The retiring governor urged education and business leaders to continue the fight to fund schools — saying employers need a steady, predictable pipeline of qualified workers.

Whatever became of the higher ed task force?

The 2018 Legislature did little with the recommendations from Gov. Butch Otter’s higher ed task force. The next move may belong to Idaho’s next governor.

After his final session as governor, Otter touts education record

A reflective Gov. Butch Otter praised lawmakers for putting more money into teacher pay raises, classroom technology, scholarships and a new reading test.

Otter signs off on new statewide reading test

The budget frees up $550,000 to roll out a new statewide reading test, and resolves one of the last big battles of the 2018 legislative session.

Otter pushes back — a little — against math bill

Gov. Butch Otter seemed to toy with vetoing a bill to waive a senior year math requirement. But the bill will become law without Otter’s signature.

Otter all but writes off higher education CEO proposal

On Thursday, Gov. Butch Otter seemed to abandon one of his top legislative priorities for 2018. He also deflected questions on gun control in the aftermath of Wednesday’s mass shooting at a Florida high school.

Analysis: Otter delivers a commencement address of sorts

“Simply saying ‘no’ is not enough,” said Gov. Butch Otter, in a speech with moments of nostalgia and moments of admonishment. So how will lawmakers respond?

Analysis: Otter meets the press … well, sort of

The governor’s last appearance at the Associated Press’ annual legislative preview was an uneven and disjointed event. He did say once again education will be his top priority.

Otter endorses higher ed ‘CEO’ proposal

Gov. Butch Otter will present a proposal for a “CEO” to the 2018 Legislature. “I just think it’s time,” Otter said Thursday.