Idaho Education Network
Broadband snafu could cost districts nearly $2 million
Fifty-seven districts and charters could be on the hook, stemming back to purchases from 2013 and 2014. In the Pocatello School District, for example, nearly $350,000 in payments are in limbo.
Schools get another round of bad broadband budget news
It’s unclear how many districts might be affected — or how much money is in limbo. A letter from state superintendent Sherri Ybarra offers more questions than answers.
AP: State had pursued a $7.2 million broadband settlement
These talks broke down after the Idaho Supreme Court ruled the broadband contract void. Lawmakers have set aside $8 million for a possible settlement.
AP: Agency wants more time to sort out broadband repayment issue
The state has paid out $29.7 million to Idaho Education Network vendors — and the Supreme Court says the state needs to demand its money back.
Analysis: The Idaho Education Network battle gets personal
Gov. Butch Otter may have set out to tout next year’s K-12 budget increase — but his post-legislative session news conference escalated the tensions over Idaho’s failed high school broadband project.
Otter rips A.G.’s advice on broadband contract
Gov. Butch Otter says Attorney General Lawrence Wasden’s staff played a role in the decisions leading to the 7-year-old Idaho Education Network legal fiasco.
House approves $8 million broadband settlement bill
Debate over the Idaho Education Network was sometimes testy — and came minutes before the final gavel dropped on the 2016 legislative session.
JFAC earmarks $8 million for broadband settlements
House Speaker Scott Bedke and Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill hope to use the money to strike a deal with two Idaho Education Network vendors.
JFAC approves $971,000 to cover more broadband legal bills
The Legislature’s budget-writing committee also put $2 million into STEM programs — falling far short of Gov. Butch Otter’s request.
State pursues a broadband settlement — but talks are on hold
Broadband vendors have filed more than $6 million in legal claims — but haven’t sued yet. Meanwhile, Idaho may need to cough up more money for attorneys’ fees.