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emmaepperly.bsky.social
Emma Epperly
@emmaepperly.bsky.social
1.8K followers 540 following 84 posts
Reporter covering North Idaho for Idaho Ed News Alum of The Spokesman-Review, Adjunct at Gonzaga & Eastern Washington University Sometimes swimmer, frequent reader and constant cat mom -tips, encouragement, & complaints - 📧: [email protected]
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
realseandolan.bsky.social
Sean Dolan @realseandolan.bsky.social · 4d
Most Idaho school districts don't livestream or record meetings.
Meanwhile, Jerome is in the process of updating a 19-year-old policy that prohibits the public from recording school board meetings.
Jerome plans to update policy that prohibits recording school board meetings
While the new policy will allow patrons to visually record meetings, the district will not though a growing trend of other districts do provide patrons the opportunity to watch meetings from home.
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
idahoednews.bsky.social
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 26d
Sarah Inama went from being a middle school teacher, mom, and history buff to also becoming the unintended leader of a school equity movement that went viral.

www.idahoednews.org/top-news/no-... #idedu
Just one regret: Sarah Inama reflects on year of controversy
She went from being a West Ada middle school teacher, mom, and history buff to also becoming the unintended leader of a school equity movement that went viral.
www.idahoednews.org
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emmaepperly.bsky.social
Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · 26d
Sarah Inama went from being a middle school teacher, mom, and history buff to also becoming the unintended leader of a school equity movement that went viral.

Reflections from her year in the spotlight below:
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/no-... #everyoneiswelcomehere #idedu #idaho #k12
Just one regret: Sarah Inama reflects on year of controversy
She went from being a West Ada middle school teacher, mom, and history buff to also becoming the unintended leader of a school equity movement that went viral.
www.idahoednews.org
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emmaepperly.bsky.social
Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · Sep 15
This series wouldn't have been possible without a grant from @edwriters.bsky.social and the support of my wonderful editor, Jennifer Swindell.

Find the whole series here:
www.idahoednews.org
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emmaepperly.bsky.social
Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · Sep 15
In Moscow, Shawn Tiegs manages the district's overall vision.
He spends much of his time meeting with staff and teachers to listen to their needs and try to meet them.
www.idahoednews.org/features/sup... #Idedu
‘Your job is to truly listen:’ Moscow superintendent manages district vision
EDITOR’S NOTE: A third-grade teacher is a third-grade teacher, whether they’re in Bonners Ferry or Boise. It’s not the same for superintendents, whose tasks may vary from lobbying the Legisla…
www.idahoednews.org
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emmaepperly.bsky.social
Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · Sep 15
Superintendent jobs vary widely, especially with Idaho's rural/ urban divide.

We profiled two superintendents whose jobs look totally different.

First up: Tana Kellogg at Highland manages everything from sports schedules and special ed reports.
www.idahoednews.org/features/sup...
‘Everybody here wears so many hats:’ Highland superintendent, staff, take on multiple jobs
EDITOR’S NOTE: A third-grade teacher is a third-grade teacher, whether they’re in Bonners Ferry or Boise. It’s not the same for superintendents, whose tasks may vary from lobbying the Legisla…
www.idahoednews.org
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emmaepperly.bsky.social
Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · Sep 15
Idaho superintendents don't stay in one place for long.
71% of Idaho school districts experienced at least one superintendent departure in the last 5 years.

www.idahoednews.org/features/sup... #idedu #education
Idaho superintendent turnover higher than national rate
Most Idaho school districts have experienced superintendent turnover in the past six years.  Since 2019, 71% of Idaho superintendents have quit, retired or taken another job. Frequent leadership tu…
www.idahoednews.org
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emmaepperly.bsky.social
Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · Sep 15
Idaho educators are hesitant to take on superintendent jobs due to a few factors largely; pay, politics and an increasing workload.

More here:
www.idahoednews.org/features/sup...
This generation of leaders is being asked to take on even more
Pay, politics, and an increased workload are among the reasons educators increasingly opt not to pursue superintendent jobs.
www.idahoednews.org
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emmaepperly.bsky.social
Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · Sep 15
Today, on @idahoednews.bsky.social, we published Super Struggle, a series that examines the increasing and unpopular challenges of being a district superintendent in Idaho.

www.idahoednews.org/features/sup... #idedu #superstruggle
This generation of leaders is being asked to take on even more
Pay, politics, and an increased workload are among the reasons educators increasingly opt not to pursue superintendent jobs.
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
idahoednews.bsky.social
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Sep 10
The parents say district and Meridian High School officials failed to follow the individualized learning program for their son, who was diagnosed with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/news/tort-cl...
Tort claim: West Ada ‘neglect and systemic failure’ led to student death by suicide
Ross Okane Aguirre and Michael Aguirre say district and Meridian High School officials failed to follow the individualized learning program for their son, Mateo, who was diagnosed with autism and a…
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
idahoednews.bsky.social
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Sep 9
The Coeur d’Alene Board of Trustees voted Monday to end their driver’s ed courses in November, so students can learn to drive at home and save money.

www.idahoednews.org/news/cda-tru... #idedu
CDA trustees cancel driver’s ed program due to 2024 state law
The trustees’ decision will save the district and families money.
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
kevinrichert.bsky.social
Kevin Richert @kevinrichert.bsky.social · Sep 4
Analysis: The 2025 Legislature could have taken a bite out of a $100 million special education shortfall, but failed. That leaves state superintendent Debbie Critchfield to press the issue in the middle of a fast-growing budget crisis. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ana...
Analysis: It’s a bad time to discuss the special education budget crisis. But it is time.
The 2025 Legislature could have taken a bite out of a $100 million special education shortfall, but failed. That leaves state superintendent Debbie Critchfield to press the issue in the middle of a…
www.idahoednews.org
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emmaepperly.bsky.social
Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · Sep 2
This complaint remains the ONLY one filed two months after the Idaho school flag and banner law went into effect, per a records request response from today.
www.idahoednews.org/news/state-s... #idpol #idedu
State says “In God We Trust” signs allowed after first HB 41 complaint
State superintendent Debbie Critchfield said the sign complies with a different law that allows the national motto to be displayed.
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
idahoednews.bsky.social
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Sep 2
“The things that we can control, we do exceptionally well at," Green said Tuesday. #idleg #idpol #idedu www.idahoednews.org/top-news/gre...
Green: A challenging federal climate affects international students, U of I funding
While acknowledging an array of federal and state political pressures, University of Idaho President C. Scott Green also touted fundraising and research milestones Tuesday.
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
kevinrichert.bsky.social
Kevin Richert @kevinrichert.bsky.social · Aug 28
Idaho school districts will receive $180 million to offset local, voter-approved property taxes. That's an increase from last year — but considerably less than the 2025 Legislature earmarked for property tax relief. #idleg #idedu #idpol www.idahoednews.org/news/sluggis...
Sluggish sales tax collections cut into school property tax relief
Idaho school districts will receive $180 million to offset local, voter-approved property taxes. That’s an increase from last year — but considerably less than the 2025 Legislature earmarked …
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
idahoednews.bsky.social
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Aug 22
Gov. Brad Little's holdback order attempts to ward off a deficit as tax cuts and revenue shortfalls spoil the state's bottom line. www.idahoednews.org/news/governo...
Governor’s midyear spending cuts could avert $79.9 million deficit
A new forecast says the state will be in a budget hole as tax cuts and revenue shortfalls slash its bottom line.
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
idahoednews.bsky.social
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Aug 21
Analysis: Fiscal realities and political pressures will take at least some of the sparkle off of Boise State University’s open president’s job. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ana...
Analysis: An attractive job isn’t necessarily an easy job
Boise State University is growing its enrollment, breaking fundraising records and rising in national stature. But fiscal realities and political pressures will take at least some of the sparkle of…
www.idahoednews.org
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emmaepperly.bsky.social
Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · Aug 22
Soda Springs Joint School District has systemic problems with its special education programs, an investigation by the Idaho Department of Education found.

www.idahoednews.org/news/state-f... #idedu
State finds systemic problems in Soda Springs special education programs
The Idaho Department of Education opened the investigation in April after receiving four separate student complaints.
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
kevinrichert.bsky.social
Kevin Richert @kevinrichert.bsky.social · Aug 20
An endowment would provide need-based $2,000 scholarships for 3,000 students, Interim President Jeremiah Shinn said Wednesday. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/our...
‘Our greatest need:’ Boise State announces $150 million campaign for financial aid
An endowment would provide need-based $2,000 scholarships for 3,000 students, Interim President Jeremiah Shinn said Wednesday.
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
idahoednews.bsky.social
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Aug 20
An endowment would provide need-based $2,000 scholarships for 3,000 students, Interim President Jeremiah Shinn said Wednesday. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/our...
‘Our greatest need:’ Boise State announces $150 million campaign for financial aid
An endowment would provide need-based $2,000 scholarships for 3,000 students, Interim President Jeremiah Shinn said Wednesday.
www.idahoednews.org
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emmaepperly.bsky.social
Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · Aug 12
Measles are confirmed in North Idaho, with students heading back to school in just a few weeks.

Here's what you should know:
www.idahoednews.org/news/measles... #measles #Idaho
Measles confirmed in Kootenai County. What families should know as kids head back to school
It’s up to schools whether a student will be excluded from class because of an illness. Quickly alerting unprotected children’s parents of a measles exposure is key, one expert said.
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
idahoednews.bsky.social
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Aug 12
Idaho’s first case of measles in a resident since 2023 was confirmed Tuesday in Kootenai County in an unvaccinated child.

www.idahoednews.org/news/measles... #measles #idedu
Measles confirmed in Kootenai County. What families should know as kids head back to school
It’s up to schools whether a student will be excluded from class because of an illness. Quickly alerting unprotected children’s parents of a measles exposure is key, one expert said.
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
idahoednews.bsky.social
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Aug 8
In a wide-ranging conversation, a panel of public school advocates and state education officials broke down policy changes affecting schools after a hectic 2025 legislative session. www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...
State education leaders discuss tax credits, special ed, classroom policies at IASA conference
The panel didn’t have many positive things to say about the decisions made by the Legislature’s Republican supermajority.
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
idahoednews.bsky.social
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Aug 11
The Idaho Public Charter School Commission named two longtime Idaho educators as finalists to be the commission’s director, Monday.
www.idahoednews.org/news/commiss...
Commission names finalists for executive director
The commission will consider the finalists and appoint the director at its regular meeting Thursday.
www.idahoednews.org
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
idahoednews.bsky.social
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Aug 11
Idaho online schools struggle to get young students reading at grade level, data from the spring Idaho Reading Indicator shows.

On average, 56% of online students in grades K-3 read at grade level, far below the statewide rate of nearly 71%.
www.idahoednews.org/news/most-on... #idedu #literacy
Most online schools’ reading scores land far below Idaho average
Eight of Idaho’s 11 online schools with available scores showed a decrease in proficiency from fall to spring, a trend that goes against in-person school norms.
www.idahoednews.org
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