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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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Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Aug 21

Before Gov. Brad Little exempted K-12 schools from 3% holdbacks, state superintendent Debbie Critchfield asked school leaders to prepare for midyear spending cuts, kicking a hornets' nest of frustrations about education funding.

www.idahoednews.org/top-news/a-s...

‘A sound business practice’: Critchfield says she — not Little — asked public schools to plan for cuts

The holdback plans could play a role in legislative budget considerations moving forward.

www.idahoednews.org

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Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Aug 21

The State Board must release the names of finalists, per a state law. www.idahoednews.org/news/boise-s...

Boise State president search narrows. Five finalists will be announced

In other business Wednesday, the State Board approved University of Idaho’s proposal for a new graduate degree in nursing, based in Coeur d’Alene.

www.idahoednews.org

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Audrey Dutton @audreydutton.bsky.social · Jul 16

Clayton Strong showed up at the funeral home in Idaho, said he wanted his wife's body cremated, opened a lunch box full of cash and paid $2,310 on the spot, according to our reporting. Three months later, he was in another state and remarried. www.propublica.org/article/idah...

He Was Accused of Killing His Wife. Idaho’s Coroner System Let Clues Vanish After a Previous Wife’s Death.

Clayton Strong had a history of domestic unrest in two marriages. The women’s families say a more thorough investigation of Betty Strong’s death in Idaho might have saved the life of his next wife, Sh...

www.propublica.org

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Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Jul 15

The new policy includes a review process with the opportunity to appeal an administrative decision on a classroom display. www.idahoednews.org/news/west-ad...

West Ada adopts new policy on classroom displays

One trustee said her vote was an ‘easy yes’ because the policy complies with a new state law on classroom displays.

www.idahoednews.org

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Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Jul 16

Trustees in recent weeks had considered cutting in half most fees for non-district students, but ultimately decided to eliminate them altogether.
www.idahoednews.org/news/caldwel...

Caldwell nixes ‘pay-to-play’ sports fees for 2025-26

District students and students who attend charter schools, private schools and home-schools won’t be charged for sports or activities.

www.idahoednews.org

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Kevin Richert @kevinrichert.bsky.social · Jun 19

Analysis: After binging on tax cuts and tax breaks, Idaho appears to be teetering on a tipping point. A self-imposed budget crisis could be looming — and it could affect education. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ana...

Analysis: This time around, Idaho’s budget problems begin close to home

After binging on tax cuts and tax breaks, Idaho appears to be teetering on a tipping point. A self-imposed budget crisis could be looming — and it could affect education.

www.idahoednews.org

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Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Jun 17

The governor’s office Tuesday did not address the likelihood of holdbacks in the coming months.

But Little's budget administrator said that “public education and teacher pay will remain the governor’s top priorities.”
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/lit...

Little tells agencies, education leaders to prepare for possible spending cuts

Little also ordered spending limits because of lagging revenue and major tax cuts that allow for “slight growth” only.

www.idahoednews.org

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Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Jun 5

The complaint alleges that the Blaine Amendment — as applied in this case and on its face — violates First Amendment religion and speech protections. www.idahoednews.org/news/federal...

Federal judge to consider religious freedom arguments in Blaine Amendment case

A Middleton church that rented a public school’s gymnasium claims its First Amendment rights were violated when the lease was cancelled.

www.idahoednews.org

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Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Jun 3

Claiming maximum $5,000 credits for each of the Spud Family’s two children would net a 32% reduction in its federal, state and local taxes. www.idahoednews.org/top-news/thi...

Thinking about private school? Idaho’s new incentive could offset all your state taxes

This hypothetical middle-class household shows how the Parental Choice tax credit can be a significant incentive to attend private school.

www.idahoednews.org

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Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · May 27

“I really don’t believe anyone learns unless they’re talking with other people,” said Steve Hauge, a longtime Caldwell High School teacher, who's retiring this year. “We don’t know what we don’t know until somebody asks a question.”
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/cal...

Caldwell teacher, who showed students how to think for themselves, retires after 40 years

Colleagues and former students are celebrating Steve Hauge this month, after his four decades teaching economics and politics.

www.idahoednews.org

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Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · May 16

In 2023, Gov. Brad Little and the Legislature invested $145 million in teacher raises, distributing an additional $6,359 in state funding per educator. www.idahoednews.org/state-policy...

Idaho climbs 12 spots in national rankings for starting teacher pay

Idaho made gains on teacher pay after the state invested in raises, but it still ranks last in per-student spending.

www.idahoednews.org

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Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Apr 24

“We deeply encourage members of the public to listen to negotiations and budget setting for our public schools,” said Misty Swanson, executive director of the Idaho School Boards Association.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/tea...

Teachers: Don’t count on 5% raises next year

Several variables affect raises, and this year’s contract negotiations will include an added wrinkle: Increasing minimum salary requirements.

www.idahoednews.org

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Kevin Richert @kevinrichert.bsky.social · Apr 24

Analysis: Five years ago, education microgrants were a shiny new object. This year, Gov. Brad Little and legislators saw microgrants as a rusting relic that needed to be scrapped — even though they remain popular with parents. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ana...

Analysis: Empowering Parents, and the politics of the short attention span

Five years ago, education microgrants were a shiny new object. This year, Gov. Brad Little and legislators saw microgrants as a rusting relic that needed to be scrapped — even though they remain po…

www.idahoednews.org

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Kevin Richert @kevinrichert.bsky.social · Apr 16

In other news Wednesday, State Board members approve a possible name change for Lewis-Clark State College. And board members get an earful over a new anti-DEI law. #idleg #idaho www.idahoednews.org/news/u-of-i-...

U of I braces for loss of federal funds — and a $59 million grant is in limbo

In other news Wednesday, State Board members approve a possible name change for Lewis-Clark State College. And board members get an earful over a new anti-DEI law.

www.idahoednews.org

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Kevin Richert @kevinrichert.bsky.social · Apr 7

The 89-day legislative session was a blur of activity — especially in education. Here’s what happened, and what you might have missed. #idleg #idaho www.idahoednews.org/top-news/wha...

What passed? What didn’t? A detailed look back at the 2025 session

The 89-day legislative session was a blur of activity — especially in education. Here’s what happened, and what you might have missed.

www.idahoednews.org

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Rachel Spacek @rachelspacek.bsky.social · Apr 2

Investigation: Emails between Kootenai County deputies and federal immigration agents show a coordinated effort to target undocumented people for immigration enforcement when they hadn't committed recent state crimes. My latest for @investigatewest.bsky.social

‘We have lots of work for you guys’ — emails show coordination between deputies in Idaho’s Kootenai County and immigration officials

Cooperation with federal authorities tests bounds of law and policy, stirs fear in immigrant communities

www.investigatewest.org

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Kevin Richert @kevinrichert.bsky.social · Apr 1

The 2025 #idleg is now a full Scaramucci removed from the original March 21 target adjournment date. Not that anyone's counting. #idaho

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Kevin Richert @kevinrichert.bsky.social · Apr 1

It's April and the #idleg is still in session. Here's what's happened so far today. #idaho www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...

Statehouse roundup, 4.1.25: House joins Senate in scramble to rework ‘health freedom’ bill

INSIDE: An abridged libraries budget bill is headed to Gov. Brad Little’s desk, and the Senate quickly approved a raft of education-related bills Tuesday.

www.idahoednews.org

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Kevin Richert @kevinrichert.bsky.social · Apr 1

It's Week 13 of the 2025 #idleg session. And @ryansuppe.bsky.social and I watched it all so you didn't have to! #idaho www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...

Statehouse roundup, 3.31.25: Empowering Parents repeal heads to House floor

Inside: Libraries and other local governments could tap state legal defense funds under bill that advanced Monday.

www.idahoednews.org

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Kyle Pfannenstiel @pfannyyy.bsky.social · Mar 30

Gov. Brad Little issued his first veto this year, on a bill that would've banned medical requirements for vaccines, treatment or medication by Idaho businesses, governments and schools.

The bill "removes parents’ freedom to ensure their children stay healthy at school," he wrote. #idleg #idpol

Idaho Gov. Brad Little vetoes bill to ban medical requirements in business, schools, government • Idaho Capital Sun

The Idaho Medical Freedom Act, would have banned businesses and governments — local, county or state — from requiring medical interventions for employment, admission to venues, transportation, or prov...

idahocapitalsun.com

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Kyle Pfannenstiel @pfannyyy.bsky.social · Mar 27

A new Idaho law deregulating child care facilities will drop Idaho's child-to-staff ratios from 41st loosest in the nation to 45th, an expert says. #idleg #idpol

Gov. Little signs bill deregulating child care facilities to address Idaho’s shortage • Idaho Capital Sun

Even after the Senate amended the bill to avoid fully repealing minimum child-to-staff ratios, many child care advocates remained opposed.

idahocapitalsun.com

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Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Mar 18

In other news, the House passed a bill requiring schools to show videos depicting “early fetal development.” #idleg #idaho www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...

Statehouse roundup, 3.18.25: School spending accountability bill heads to House

In other news, the House passed a bill requiring schools to show videos depicting “early fetal development.”

www.idahoednews.org

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Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · Mar 17

In other news, a campus free speech bill is headed to the Senate floor. #idleg #idaho www.idahoednews.org/news/stateho...

Statehouse roundup, 3.17.25: House approves new civics test

In other news, a campus free speech is headed to the Senate floor.

www.idahoednews.org

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Kevin Richert @kevinrichert.bsky.social · Mar 17

Tromp, Boise State's president since July 2019, will interview for the position Tuesday and Wednesday. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/news/tromp-s...

Tromp ‘sole finalist’ for University of Vermont presidency

Boise State’s president since July 2019 will interview for the Vermont position this week.

www.idahoednews.org

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