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Idaho Senate rejects Echeverria appointment to charter commission
This story was originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on March 29, 2023. In another rare move, the Senate has rejected Gov. Brad Little’s choice for the Idaho Public Charter School Commission. In a 24-11 vote Wednesday evening, the Senate voted down Karen Echeverria, a longtime executive director of the Idaho School Boards Association. Little had appointed […]
Idaho Statehouse roundup: Tuition credit bill stalls, leaving school choice debate on ice
This story was originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on March 22, 2023. A bill to provide state-funded private school grants appears dead for the 2023 session. The abrupt move could also bring the Legislature’s protracted debate over school choice to a grinding halt. Senate Bill 1161 — a proposal creating the five-year grant pilot — had […]
After longwinded debate, Idaho Senate kills controversial education savings account bill
This story was originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on Feb. 27, 2023. A divisive education savings account (ESA) bill died in the Idaho Senate on Monday afternoon — in a 12-23 vote that came after over two hours of floor debate. Senate Bill 1038 would have established a universal education savings account program, providing $5,950 scholarships […]
Divisive bill on education savings accounts heads to Idaho Senate floor
Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on February 15, 2023 The Senate Education Committee sent a $45 million school choice bill to the Senate floor with a 6-3 vote Wednesday evening. The vote came on day two of public testimony on Senate Bill 1038 — the controversial plan to establish a universal education savings account program. SB […]
Idaho Statehouse roundup: Senators field lengthy testimony on ESA bill, vote likely Wednesday
This story was originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on Feb. 14, 2023. A controversial school choice bill ignited a long debate in the Senate Education Committee Tuesday afternoon — leaving some 70 people waiting to speak, and a committee vote on hold. The debate will continue Wednesday, with a vote likely at the end of the […]
Idaho Statehouse roundup: Library pornography bill surfaces, House passes financial literacy bill
This story was originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on Feb. 13, 2023. Another bill targeting library pornography made a brief debut Monday. Billed as the “School and Library Protection Act,” the bill would prohibit schools and libraries from distributing obscene materials to minors. But this new bill makes one significant departure from a controversial libraries proposal […]
Retired teacher takes over Idaho Legislature’s House Education Committee
Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on January 4, 2023 Former educator and school administrator Julie Yamamoto will lead the House Education Committee when the Legislature reconvenes next week. Her goal, she says, is to create a collaborative lawmaking environment and push forward robust legislation to serve Idaho students and families. Yamamoto, R-Caldwell, decided she wanted to […]
Schools superintendent candidates spar over a variety of Idaho education policies
Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on October 24, 2022 State superintendent candidates Republican Debbie Critchfield and Democrat Terry Gilbert clashed over a variety of education policies, including school choice, funding and immunization rates during Monday night’s Idaho Public Television debate. Gilbert, a former teacher, jabbed at Critchfield’s lack of classroom experience, while she flexed her former […]
New legislative working group kicks off discussion on school buildings
Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on October 6, 2022 Lawmakers gathered Thursday to begin discussing a longstanding issue: how to pay for school buildings. The new Funding Construction of Public Schools working group has taken on a three-month challenge to come up with solutions to one of Idaho’s most pressing education issues. The group’s co-chair, Sen. […]
Idaho Gov. Brad Little promises continued support for education and teachers
This story was originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on Aug. 17, 2022. Gov. Brad Little touted his administration’s past investments in education during a luncheon on Wednesday, and promised to do more if reelected. “We have a long way to go from where we are, but we’re making great progress,” said Little during a speech sponsored […]