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Emma Epperly

@emmaepperly.bsky.social
1.9K followers 560 following 149 posts

Reporter covering North Idaho for Idaho Ed News Alum of The Spokesman-Review, Adjunct at Eastern Washington University Sometimes swimmer, frequent reader and constant cat mom -tips, encouragement, & complaints - 📧: emma@idahoednews.org

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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 6h
The incident is a first for the charter commission, which is unaware of any other similar lottery waitlist management violations. www.idahoednews.org/news/richard...
idahoednews.org
Richard McKenna charter employees enrolled friend, bypassed students on waitlist
A school investigation found staff gave one family special treatment and denied seats to two others who should have been next in line.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
State and district leaders said they’re focused on overall proficiency when looking at this spring’s data. www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ida... #Amira #IRI #literacy
idahoednews.org
Idaho’s big reading gains come with a caveat
Changes to the Idaho Reading Indicator test make last year’s improvements difficult to compare, educators say.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The majority of supplemental levies include funding for staff salaries and benefits. www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ida... #IDpol #IDedu #novemberelection #levy
idahoednews.org
Districts will ask voters for more than $307 million in November
The requests nearly double the $159 million on the ballot last fall — and the $183 million from May.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Co-sponsored by EdNews, Tuesday’s debate between GOP state superintendent Debbie Critchfield and Democratic challenger Becky Sundin Mitchell was an election-year outlier. And that’s the problem. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/vot...
idahoednews.org
Voters learn things at debates. Maybe that’s why many incumbents dodge them.
Co-sponsored by EdNews, Tuesday’s debate between GOP state superintendent Debbie Critchfield and Democratic challenger Becky Sundin Mitchell was an election-year outlier. And that’s the…
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
“We saw huge benefits from it in a very short period of time,” Bliss Principal Emily Roe said of the Launchpad program. www.idahoednews.org/news/cuts-to... #literacy #IDedu #IDpol
idahoednews.org
Cuts to successful reading program leave schools struggling to find a replacement
Bliss students improved in reading by 37% this spring. The huge jump in proficiency is largely due to the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance’s Launchpad program, said Principal Emily Roe. &#8220…
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Both Idaho universities received a “D” from a nonprofit group that advocates for campus free speech. But in this case, a "D" is well above average. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/news/boise-s...
idahoednews.org
Boise State, U of I receive lackluster grades for campus free speech
Both Idaho universities received a “D” from a nonprofit group that advocates for campus free speech. But in this case, a “D” is well above average.
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Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Lakeland patrons have wondered for the last seven months why former superintendent Rusty Taylor was put on leave. Here are the answers we have: www.idahoednews.org/news/lakelan...
idahoednews.org
Lakeland paid nearly $160k to end superintendent’s tenure
The board chair says a settlement allowed Lakeland to avoid more expensive litigation. Rusty Taylor said he took the settlement so the district could move on and best serve students.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Lake Pend Oreille School District officials and community members gathered Tuesday to celebrate the new CTEC building. www.idahoednews.org/news/lake-pe... #CTE #Sandpoint
idahoednews.org
Lake Pend Oreille launches career technical center at Sandpoint High School
The new building was made possible by a $3.5 million grant from the Idaho Career Ready Students program, along with support from community partners.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The civil complaint says district and high school officials “negligently” hired and retained assistant football coach Ty Lewis, who is in jail facing five felony charges of sexual abuse and exploitation. #idaho www.idahoednews.org/news/lewisto...
idahoednews.org
Lewiston parents file $25 million sexual abuse tort claim
The civil complaint says district and high school officials “negligently” hired and retained assistant football coach Ty Lewis, who is in jail facing five felony charges of sexual abuse and exploit…
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Why is the state superintendent seeking less money for her top legislative priority from 2026? In an interview, Debbie Critchfield discussed the budget request she submitted a week ago — and the political calculus behind it. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/i-d...
idahoednews.org
‘I didn’t want to compete with myself:’ Critchfield says budget request focuses on one priority
Why is the state superintendent seeking less money for her top legislative priority from 2026? Debbie Critchfield discussed the funding proposal she submitted a week ago — and the political calculu…
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Students with disabilities, those learning English, and those experiencing homelessness are among the groups that scored below the statewide proficiency percentage. www.idahoednews.org/news/test-sc... #standardizedtests #literacy #reading #IDedu #Idaho #Amira
idahoednews.org
Test scores: At-risk students continue to fall behind
See which groups show a disparity in proficiency.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
It's the first day of school for much of North Idaho- including the first first day of school for the youngest learners. www.idahoednews.org/north-idaho/... #teacherfeature #firstdayofschool #backtoschool #IDedu
idahoednews.org
Post Falls kindergarten teacher turns chaos into confidence
When Treaty Rock Elementary School Principal Katrina Kramer looks in Becky Thompson’s classroom, it’s almost always calm, orderly and collaborative. “Even her kinders know a stron…
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Retiring provost Lloyd Duman and his replacement Gwen Cash-James have one key thing in common. www.idahoednews.org/news/nics-pr... #NorthIdahoCollege #IDedu #communitycollege
idahoednews.org
NIC provosts took unconventional paths to the college. Now they’re part of its leadership story.
Lloyd Duman and Gwen Cash-James say their unconventional paths shaped their approach to the job — one during a crisis, the other after it.
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Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Moscow voters will vote on the first phase of a decade-long plan for a middle to high school conversion. The second phase would require a second ballot measure in 7 years to build a new middle school. www.idahoednews.org/news/moscow-... #IDedu #schoolfacilities #Idaho
idahoednews.org
Moscow to attempt novel approach to overhaul its aging schools
Since voters rarely pass bonds, districts are getting creative with plant facility levies.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Voters will see a plant facility levy on their November ballots. www.idahoednews.org/news/moscow-...
idahoednews.org
Moscow to attempt novel approach to overhaul its aging schools
Since voters rarely pass bonds, districts are getting creative with plant facility levies.
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Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
For the first time ever #Idaho dropped ISAT scores with IRI results last week. The test measures English Language Arts and Math proficiency in grades 3-8 and grade 11. www.idahoednews.org/top-news/isa... #literacy #math #standardizedtests #IDedu
idahoednews.org
ISAT scores see growth but fall short of state goals
The test doesn’t affect students’ grades, but lawmakers, schools and parents use the scores as a measurement of Idaho’s K-12 performance.
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Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Idaho's twice-a-year reading test scores dropped last week. It's the second time that students have read to their computers instead of a multiple choice test. See the statewide results here: www.idahoednews.org/top-news/rea... #literacy #Idaho #reading
idahoednews.org
Reading proficiency decreases slightly in first year of new assessment
Students this past school year took the twice-a-year reading assessment on a new platform that requires kids to speak their responses into a microphone instead of picking from multiple-choice answe…
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Learn the basics about the organization that oversees nearly 80% of Idaho's Charter Schools. www.idahoednews.org/features/spe... #charterschools #Idaho #IDedu #schoolchoice
idahoednews.org
Spelling it Out: The Idaho Public Charter School Commission
Here’s a closer look the organization that oversees most Idaho charter schools.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Alexandra (Alex) Duggan @alexdugganreports.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
NEW: The feds are exploring charges against the suspected Spokane arsonist, I was able to confirm Monday: www.spokesman.com/stories/2026...
spokesman.com
Feds exploring charges against suspected Spokane arsonist in fire that destroyed hundreds of homes
The federal government is exploring charges against the man suspected of starting a fire that destroyed hundreds of Spokane homes earlier this month.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
The decline is concentrated among elementary students, while enrollment continues to grow in middle and high schools. www.idahoednews.org/top-news/ida... #IDedu #education #idaho #enrollment #birthrate
idahoednews.org
Idaho schools are losing thousands of students even as the state grows
Shifting demographics impact K-12 funding and have forced local leaders to adjust staffing, trim budgets and rethink long-term plans.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
The Idaho Public Charter School Commission typically doesn’t allow a charter school to open unless it hits its break-even point. www.idahoednews.org/news/charter... #charterschools #virtualeducation #onlineschool
idahoednews.org
Charter commission allows virtual charter to open with 4 students enrolled
Executive director Rachel Burk said last week that Trailhead Virtual Academy has the green light because its education service provider signed an agreement taking on the financial risk.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Alexandra (Alex) Duggan @alexdugganreports.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
NEW: The man suspected of starting the Spokane fire that razed hundreds of homes had previous encounters with police. Plus, we spoke to the police’s main witness & the suspect’s former neighbor in AZ. “My immediate thought was that SOB started a fire.” More: www.spokesman.com/stories/2026...
spokesman.com
Suspected Old Trails arsonist contacted over fire behavior last year
The man suspected of setting a fire that destroyed hundreds of Spokane homes and forced 60,000 people to evacuate was contacted by law enforcement last summer for two fires but never arrested, accordi...
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
The payments included $1.3 million for Brabeion Academy before opening its doors. www.idahoednews.org/news/charter...
idahoednews.org
Charter schools receive $3.6 million in early state payments
Idaho’s education department can provide upfront funding to help new and expanding programs cover startup costs, payroll and other expenses.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Staci D. Kramer @sdkstl.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
At first glance, it's easy to think these striking photos illustrating the devastation of the Spokane fires on the front page of The Spokesman-Review must be by different photographers. Both are the outstanding work of Tyler Tjomsland under extreme conditions.
The Spokesman-Review front page, Sunday, August 2, 2026. Large all caps red headline across the top: Devastation. Image of a fierce fire with a firefighter in shadow dominates the page.  

Below, another photo of a distraught woman escaping with her dog as a friend helps. Both photos by Tyler Tjomsland.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Charles Apple @charlesapple.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Monday's front page of the fires in Spokane, Washington. Photos by Brian Plonka, Tyler Tjomsland and Kathy Plonka. Design by Chris Soprych. Map by Molly Quinn. Amazing work by my colleagues there in Spokane.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Leah Sottile @leahsottile.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
I've been asking reporters in Spokane how we can help and everyone says subscribe, subscribe, subscribe. The Spokesman-Review has been doing unreal coverage of the fires: www.spokesman.com
spokesman.com
The Spokesman-Review | Local News, Business, Entertainment, Sports & Weather for Eastern Washington
Serving the Inland Northwest since 1883. Spokesman.com provides breaking and in-depth coverage of Spokane area news, sports and community.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
The seven new charter schools set to open this fall have a variety of approaches. www.idahoednews.org/top-news/new...
idahoednews.org
New schools are set to open across Idaho
INSIDE: See where families will find more choices this fall, from elementary campuses to virtual learning.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Alexandra (Alex) Duggan @alexdugganreports.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
More than 600 (likely homes) burned in and around Spokane County yesterday. The devastation is incomprehensible www.spokesman.com/stories/2026...
spokesman.com
Wildfire in northwest Spokane destroys 640 structures
The Old Trails wildfire in northwest Spokane destroyed 640 structures Saturday, according to Cody Rohrbach, Spokane County Fire District 3 fire chief.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Alexandra (Alex) Duggan @alexdugganreports.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
The front page of this morning’s Spokesman-Review, Aug. 2, 2026, the day after one of the worst wildfires in Washington state history. More than 600 structures, mostly homes, have been lost in the #OldTrailsFire. Read local news.
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Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Total insanity in Spokane with the #oldtrailsfire Heartwrenching photos from Tyler Tjomsland and great reporting below from my former colleagues at The Spokesman Review. www.spokesman.com/stories/2026...
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Alexandra (Alex) Duggan @alexdugganreports.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
The fires in Spokane County are already destroying homes as it has jumped the river and crossed into the city. Please keep us in your prayers. Read us for updates or follow me on Instagram for video. www.spokesman.com/stories/2026...
spokesman.com
'Never seen it this bad': Thousands evacuated in north Spokane as wildfire crosses river into city
A wildfire driven by high winds jumped the Spokane River Saturday afternoon, burning homes and quickly moving into the Indian Trail Neighborhood.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Aaron Hedge @aaronhedge.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
The Spokesman is doing incredible reporting on this story. Follow them for critical info. @alexdugganreports.bsky.social www.spokesman.com/stories/2026...
spokesman.com
'Never seen it this bad': Thousands evacuated in north Spokane as wildfire crosses river into city
A wildfire driven by high winds jumped the Spokane River Saturday afternoon, burning homes and quickly moving into the Indian Trail Neighborhood.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
INSIDE: A detailed rundown of discrimination complaints and investigations at Idaho colleges and universities. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/a-r...
idahoednews.org
A report suggests a surge in Title IX complaints at U of I — but that might not be the case
INSIDE: A detailed rundown of discrimination complaints and investigations at Idaho colleges and universities.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
“She is one of those people that just values and loves learning,” O’Brien said. www.idahoednews.org/features/tea... #ELL #Spanish #Idaho #bilingual
idahoednews.org
Opening minds and hearts: Jerome Spanish teacher shares power of bilingualism
Cheryl Schleiss found her calling decades after falling in love with language. Now she’s helping fourth graders connect across cultures.
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Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
The latest from Lakeland: www.idahoednews.org/news/lakelan...
idahoednews.org
Lakeland trustees cure alleged open meeting violation
Lakeland School District trustees voted publicly on Wednesday to extend the contract of interim superintendent Jake Massey, a redo of action taken last month. The board voted to approve the contrac…
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Lakeland School District trustees voted to extend the interim superintendent's contract, a redo of action taken last month. www.idahoednews.org/news/lakelan...
idahoednews.org
Lakeland trustees cure alleged open meeting violation
Lakeland School District trustees voted publicly on Wednesday to extend the contract of interim superintendent Jake Massey, a redo of action taken last month. The board voted to approve the contrac…
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
The $56.25 million dividend isn’t a big jackpot for K-12, not in the context of an overall state budget approaching $2.8 billion — but it does represent a significant one-year increase. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sch...
idahoednews.org
Schools cash in on record-setting lottery payout
The $56.25 million dividend isn’t a big jackpot for K-12, not in the context of an overall state budget approaching $2.8 billion — but it does represent a significant one-year increase.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
A “humiliating” story has surfaced in multiple lawsuits litigating the state’s transgender bathroom restrictions. Court records show conflicting accounts of what happened. www.idahoednews.org/top-news/a-d...
idahoednews.org
A disputed Boise High incident became central to Idaho’s transgender bathroom fight
A “humiliating” story has surfaced in multiple lawsuits litigating the state’s transgender bathroom restrictions. Court records show conflicting accounts of what happened.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
The NIC Guarantee is a new program launching this fall. www.idahoednews.org/news/nic-pro... #IDpol #IDedu #Idaho #CTE #communitycollege
idahoednews.org
NIC promises jobs and other perks to qualifying graduates
The goal is to show the community, students and critics the value of its degrees.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Cancer gave Zenner a new perspective on life. The little classroom annoyances don’t bother her anymore. Instead, she focuses on the big picture. www.idahoednews.org/north-idaho/...
idahoednews.org
‘What resilience means:’ Nezperce teacher returns after leukemia battle
Cancer taught Callie Zenner a lesson she now shares with her students: “You can do hard things.”
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Bub was diagnosed last week.
idahoednews.org
West Ada superintendent announces cancer diagnosis
“I feel extremely fortunate that it was caught very early, and I’m expected to make a full recovery,” Derek Bub said.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
If the executive director stays on for three years, he doesn’t have to pay the money back. www.idahoednews.org/news/charter... #idedu
idahoednews.org
Charter board rewards director with a $150,000 loan he likely doesn’t have to pay back
Bluum CEO Terry Ryan said he’s “never seen anything like it.”
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Massey summed up his goals for next year in one word: 'Stability." www.idahoednews.org/news/lakelan...
idahoednews.org
Lakeland trustees extend interim superintendent’s contract without public vote
Jake Massey was not promoted to superintendent but he did receive a $30,000 raise to stay on as interim, according to contracts obtained from a public records request.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
The 2024 audit should be done at the end of June, said Superintendent Kim Spacek. www.idahoednews.org/news/west-bo...
idahoednews.org
West Bonner predicts largely flat budget, as past-due audits remain unfinished
The Idaho Department of Education began withholding payments to West Bonner three years ago.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Poised to hire David Hahn next week, the State Board of Education is maintaining a tight lid on an almost entirely closed process. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...
idahoednews.org
State Board refuses to release comments on Boise State finalist
Poised to hire David Hahn next week, the State Board of Education is maintaining a tight lid on an almost entirely closed process.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
In other news, the finalist for the Boise State presidential job fields questions on DEI, research and athletics at a wide-ranging and well-attended public forum. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/news/state-b...
idahoednews.org
State Board roundup, 6.17.26: Increasing class sizes ‘wearing us down,’ Boise State faculty says
In other news, the finalist for the Boise State presidential job fields questions on DEI, research and athletics at a wide-ranging and well-attended public forum.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Kevin Richert @kevinrichert.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
David Hahn is dean of the college of engineering at the University of Arizona — one of the nation’s top research institutions. Like Boise State, the U of A is moving aggressively in microelectronics and semiconductor programs. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/top-news/boi...
idahoednews.org
‘Today is about the future:’ Boise State presidential finalist named
David Hahn is dean of the college of engineering at the University of Arizona — one of the nation’s top research institutions. Like Boise State, the U of A is moving aggressively in microelec…
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Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The eight-member group will spend the summer looking at Idaho’s competitive position in the changing world of college sports. #idleg #idaho www.idahoednews.org/news/governo...
idahoednews.org
Governor announces college athletics task force
The eight-member group will spend the summer looking at Idaho’s competitive position in the changing world of college sports.
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Reposted by Emma Epperly
Idaho Education News @idahoednews.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
This spring 80% of plant-facility levies failed. The highest rate in more than a decade. www.idahoednews.org/top-news/eme... #IDedu #IDpol
idahoednews.org
Emerging ‘outliers’: School facility measures grow harder to pass
A school bond hasn’t passed in Idaho since May 2024, more than four election cycles.
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Emma Epperly @emmaepperly.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Some tense moments at the charter commission yesterday after Brabieon Academy failed to meet conditions to open. See the exchange here: www.idahoednews.org/news/thats-m... #idedu #charterschools #idpol
idahoednews.org
‘That’s more of a threat’: Charter commission presses Brabeion Academy leaders over unmet conditions
Commissioners gave leaders of the school set to open this fall eight days to submit missing contracts or risk revocation of their authorization to open.
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