Ryan Suppe
@ryansuppe.bsky.social
From the Statehouse today:
State superintendent Debbie Critchfield mostly played defense as lawmakers questioned her K-12 budget. The wide-ranging JFAC discussion covered special education, public school fund balances and declining enrollment. #idpol #idleg
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...
State superintendent Debbie Critchfield mostly played defense as lawmakers questioned her K-12 budget. The wide-ranging JFAC discussion covered special education, public school fund balances and declining enrollment. #idpol #idleg
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...
Statehouse roundup, 1.21.26: Critchfield plays defense on K-12 budget
In other news, a bill requiring state and local K-12 artificial intelligence policies makes its debut.
www.idahoednews.org
January 22, 2026 at 1:16 AM
From the Statehouse today:
State superintendent Debbie Critchfield mostly played defense as lawmakers questioned her K-12 budget. The wide-ranging JFAC discussion covered special education, public school fund balances and declining enrollment. #idpol #idleg
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...
State superintendent Debbie Critchfield mostly played defense as lawmakers questioned her K-12 budget. The wide-ranging JFAC discussion covered special education, public school fund balances and declining enrollment. #idpol #idleg
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
Today, an Idaho Capital Sun story detailed a policy directing state agencies to work with the governor's office before answering questions from lawmakers and reporters.
Then, a bill came to protect state staff who talk to legislators — and Democrats decried the governor's policy. #idleg #idpol
Then, a bill came to protect state staff who talk to legislators — and Democrats decried the governor's policy. #idleg #idpol
Idaho governor tells state agencies to coordinate responses on legislators', journalists' questions • Idaho Capital Sun
Ahead of the 2026 legislative session, Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s office told state government agencies how to reply to requests for information.
idahocapitalsun.com
January 21, 2026 at 9:14 PM
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
In other news, Democratic leaders called on the Tax Commission to pause advance payments through the private education tax credit. #idleg #idaho www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...
Statehouse roundup, 1.20.26: Tuition hikes are ‘on the table,’ State Board chief says
In other news, Democratic leaders called on the Tax Commission to pause advance payments through the private education tax credit.
www.idahoednews.org
January 20, 2026 at 9:32 PM
In other news, Democratic leaders called on the Tax Commission to pause advance payments through the private education tax credit. #idleg #idaho www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...
Gov. Brad Little proposed a 39% budget cut to IDLA, the state's online learning platform.
The governor's office says policy changes would "right-size" IDLA's budget.
But rural school leaders say the platform's virtual courses are a "lifeline." #idpol #idleg
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
The governor's office says policy changes would "right-size" IDLA's budget.
But rural school leaders say the platform's virtual courses are a "lifeline." #idpol #idleg
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
Governor, superintendent propose major cuts to state’s online learning platform
Rural public school leaders say the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance is a “lifeline” for supplementing curriculum.
www.idahoednews.org
January 20, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Gov. Brad Little proposed a 39% budget cut to IDLA, the state's online learning platform.
The governor's office says policy changes would "right-size" IDLA's budget.
But rural school leaders say the platform's virtual courses are a "lifeline." #idpol #idleg
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
The governor's office says policy changes would "right-size" IDLA's budget.
But rural school leaders say the platform's virtual courses are a "lifeline." #idpol #idleg
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
In other business, the Senate Education Committee will hear a bill on higher ed presidential searches Tuesday. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...
Statehouse roundup, 1.19.26: Budget-setting lawmakers settle on revenue targets
In other business, the first bill before the Senate Education Committee could be a big one — addressing the search process for university presidents.
www.idahoednews.org
January 19, 2026 at 7:24 PM
In other business, the Senate Education Committee will hear a bill on higher ed presidential searches Tuesday. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...
A quick plug since I just learned #idpol and #idleg have made their way to Bluesky (sorry I'm late):
@kevinrichert.bsky.social and I are back at the Statehouse covering education policy for another legislative session.
Here's how you can follow along:
@kevinrichert.bsky.social and I are back at the Statehouse covering education policy for another legislative session.
Here's how you can follow along:
January 20, 2026 at 12:13 AM
A quick plug since I just learned #idpol and #idleg have made their way to Bluesky (sorry I'm late):
@kevinrichert.bsky.social and I are back at the Statehouse covering education policy for another legislative session.
Here's how you can follow along:
@kevinrichert.bsky.social and I are back at the Statehouse covering education policy for another legislative session.
Here's how you can follow along:
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
The increase is due in part to a minimum salary requirement increase to $50,252 this year, a significant increase for some districts that were paying as low as $41,500.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ida... #teacherpay #idedu
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ida... #teacherpay #idedu
Idaho’s average teacher salary increases more than 5%
The number climbed to over $66,000 this school year.
www.idahoednews.org
January 5, 2026 at 11:01 PM
The increase is due in part to a minimum salary requirement increase to $50,252 this year, a significant increase for some districts that were paying as low as $41,500.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ida... #teacherpay #idedu
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ida... #teacherpay #idedu
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
The legislative session kicks off Monday. Here's our guide with key dates, committees to watch and ways you can participate:
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/edn...
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/edn...
EdNews’ education guide to the 2026 legislative session
Key dates, committees to watch and ways you can participate in this year’s budget and policy debates.
www.idahoednews.org
January 7, 2026 at 11:42 PM
The legislative session kicks off Monday. Here's our guide with key dates, committees to watch and ways you can participate:
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/edn...
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/edn...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
Will public schools remain exempt from budget cuts?
Where can Idaho train new doctors to ease a physician shortage? Will private school choice pass constitutional muster?
These are some of the issues we'll be following in 2026.
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
Where can Idaho train new doctors to ease a physician shortage? Will private school choice pass constitutional muster?
These are some of the issues we'll be following in 2026.
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
The top five education issues EdNews will follow in 2026
The new year is shaping up to be another hectic one for education policy. Here’s what we’ll writing about.
www.idahoednews.org
January 8, 2026 at 8:43 PM
Will public schools remain exempt from budget cuts?
Where can Idaho train new doctors to ease a physician shortage? Will private school choice pass constitutional muster?
These are some of the issues we'll be following in 2026.
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
Where can Idaho train new doctors to ease a physician shortage? Will private school choice pass constitutional muster?
These are some of the issues we'll be following in 2026.
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
“The Idaho Legislature supports public schools and will continue to support public schools, and I have not heard any chatter of trying to back off of that position,” said Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon, R-Rupert.
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
GOP leaders signal K-12 will be safe from budget cuts
Democrats aren’t buying it. Also, Gov. Brad Little says special education funding is a ‘critical’ issue that will be addressed after the state budget is ironed out.
www.idahoednews.org
January 9, 2026 at 6:23 PM
“The Idaho Legislature supports public schools and will continue to support public schools, and I have not heard any chatter of trying to back off of that position,” said Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon, R-Rupert.
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
www.idahoednews.org/legislature/...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
In other business Wednesday, the State Board of Education approved the first steps of a medical education partnership between the University of Idaho-University of Utah medical education partnership. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/cri...
Critchfield pulls plug on $50 million special education plan
In other business Wednesday, the State Board of Education approved the first steps of a medical education partnership between the University of Idaho-University of Utah medical education partnershi…
www.idahoednews.org
December 17, 2025 at 10:52 PM
In other business Wednesday, the State Board of Education approved the first steps of a medical education partnership between the University of Idaho-University of Utah medical education partnership. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/cri...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
A few school leaders told EdNews that their policies hadn’t been updated at the time the Idaho Department of Education sent out its survey, but they have since been updated or changes are on the way.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/som...
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/som...
Some schools have yet to implement ‘harmful’ material library law
Seventeen districts and charters answered “No” to one or more survey questions about whether their policies align with state law. Private schools weren’t included in the survey.
www.idahoednews.org
December 18, 2025 at 8:28 PM
A few school leaders told EdNews that their policies hadn’t been updated at the time the Idaho Department of Education sent out its survey, but they have since been updated or changes are on the way.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/som...
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/som...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
House Bill 93 directed the Idaho State Tax Commission to report eight data points after the first round of private education tax credits goes out next year.
How many recipients previously attended public school wasn't one of them.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ida...
How many recipients previously attended public school wasn't one of them.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ida...
Idaho’s new education tax credit has fewer reporting requirements than similar programs
For instance, the new law doesn’t require the state to report how many recipients were already enrolled in private school. This data would help answer one of the most hotly contested questions surr…
www.idahoednews.org
December 16, 2025 at 10:19 PM
House Bill 93 directed the Idaho State Tax Commission to report eight data points after the first round of private education tax credits goes out next year.
How many recipients previously attended public school wasn't one of them.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ida...
How many recipients previously attended public school wasn't one of them.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ida...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
My latest story digs into the immigration process and lack of due process offered to many of the people who were detained in the Wilder, Idaho ICE raid. People were sent to detention facilities in other states - making it harder for their families and lawyers to help them fight their detention.
Idaho immigrants detained far from home, and from their attorneys
Many immigrants arrested at an Idaho racetrack are being detained in Nevada and other states, making it harder for attorneys and family to find them
www.investigatewest.org
December 10, 2025 at 3:37 PM
My latest story digs into the immigration process and lack of due process offered to many of the people who were detained in the Wilder, Idaho ICE raid. People were sent to detention facilities in other states - making it harder for their families and lawyers to help them fight their detention.
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
In September, a coalition of opponents sued to block the new program from taking effect. State attorneys are defending it, backed by supporters from Idaho to Arkansas to Indiana.
www.idahoednews.org/school-choic...
www.idahoednews.org/school-choic...
Who’s who in the HB 93 lawsuit? Meet the plaintiffs and defendants
Educators, attorneys, parents and politicians have picked sides in a lawsuit to decide whether Idaho can subsidize private education.
www.idahoednews.org
November 20, 2025 at 8:45 PM
In September, a coalition of opponents sued to block the new program from taking effect. State attorneys are defending it, backed by supporters from Idaho to Arkansas to Indiana.
www.idahoednews.org/school-choic...
www.idahoednews.org/school-choic...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
After five failed bond measures, Middleton has secured state funding to build a new elementary school. But the district has to ask voters for a bond one more time before it’s eligible for the state loan. www.idahoednews.org/state-policy...
Middleton secures state funding to build new elementary school
A state panel approved $11.1 million from a revived loan program. But there’s a catch.
www.idahoednews.org
October 29, 2025 at 7:50 PM
After five failed bond measures, Middleton has secured state funding to build a new elementary school. But the district has to ask voters for a bond one more time before it’s eligible for the state loan. www.idahoednews.org/state-policy...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
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
August 22, 2025 at 12:47 AM
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...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
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...
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
August 21, 2025 at 2:35 PM
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...
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/a-s...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
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
August 21, 2025 at 2:05 AM
The State Board must release the names of finalists, per a state law. www.idahoednews.org/news/boise-s...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
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
July 16, 2025 at 9:05 PM
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...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
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
July 15, 2025 at 4:52 PM
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...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
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...
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
July 16, 2025 at 12:44 AM
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...
www.idahoednews.org/news/caldwel...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
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
June 19, 2025 at 9:01 PM
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...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
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...
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
June 17, 2025 at 9:56 PM
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...
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...
Reposted by Ryan Suppe
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
June 5, 2025 at 10:16 PM
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...