Stories by Erica Curless for the Spokesman-Review

News > Idaho

Educators: Reading Scores Spell Trouble Report Shows Reading, Comprehension For Most 4th-Graders Substandard

Thu., Jan. 29, 1998

Many Idaho fourth-graders can't read and lawmakers are frantically searching for a remedy. A report, authorized last fall by the Legislature, showed that 60 percent of Idaho fourth-graders can't read and comprehend books at their grade level. The statewide reading committee, which conducted the study of 1,000 fourth-graders, presented the dramatic findings Wednesday to members of a joint legislative education committee.

News > Idaho

Dna Collection Measure Gets Ok

Thu., Jan. 22, 1998

A House judiciary committee Wednesday passed a bill giving Idaho law enforcement officials more ways to take DNA samples from convicted violent offenders. Last year lawmakers passed a law requiring convicted violent criminals to supply a DNA sample for law officials to enter into a database - similar to how fingerprints are filed.

News > Nation/World

Fox Seeks Pay Raises For Teachers Schools Chief Asks Legislature For $19 Million For Salary Hikes

Wed., Jan. 21, 1998

Idaho schools are losing teachers to states that offer higher wages, Idaho schools Superintendent Anne Fox said Tuesday. She's pushing for a 3 percent pay increase that would boost the salaries of teachers, administrators and classified staff. That's a $591-a-year increase for first-year teachers.

News > Idaho

Charter Schools Still Raise Doubts Lawmakers Say Issues Resolved As Bill Heads For House Debate

Tue., Jan. 20, 1998

A bill that would allow charter schools in Idaho should satisfy most education groups that had initial concerns, lawmakers on a joint education panel said Monday. "We've worked with everyone and tried to accommodate their concerns," Sen. Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow, said.

News > Idaho

Rallygoers Vow To Fight Racial Hatred Wassmuth, Batt Lead Boise Ceremonies Honoring Martin Luther King Jr., Civil Rights

Tue., Jan. 20, 1998

The continued existence of white supremacists in Idaho would disappoint Martin Luther King Jr., a human rights activist told a crowd gathered in the state Capitol celebrating King's birthday Monday. "We still have work to do for justice in our land," said Bill Wassmuth, a leader of the Northwest Coalition Against Malicious Harassment. "The journey is not over. The dream is not realized. Justice is not available for all."

News > Idaho

History Of Defeat Can’t Stop Fox Schools Chief Armed With New Proposals On Sales Tax Hike, School Accountability

Sun., Jan. 18, 1998

Idaho Schools Superintendent Anne Fox doesn't cringe when lawmakers hint her key education bills are doomed, because she believes they would make Idaho schools No. 1 in the nation. "I don't get discouraged," Fox said when discussing the chances of her proposals making their way into law. "I'll get criticized. But I know, in my heart and my mind, what works." Asking Idaho's 112 school districts to build a solid educational foundation is her strategy.

News > Idaho

Clean Water In Budget Draft House, Senate Expected To Approve Funds For Area Cleanup Projects

Sat., Jan. 17, 1998

Cleanup of Silver Valley's contaminated water is ahead of schedule and the Legislature is asking for more money to keep the job going.

News > Idaho

Sex Offender Registry Access To Get Hearing Attorney General Spokesman Tells Panel Of People’s Frustration

Sat., Jan. 17, 1998

In an effort to address the concerns of parents and schools trying to identify convicted sex offenders, a Senate committee agreed Friday to hear two bills strengthening the state's registry system. "People are frustrated because they can't get access to registry information," William von Tagen of the state attorney general's office told the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee.

News > Nation/World

Senator Pushes For Emergency School Fund Repairs Can’t Wait, Schroeder Says

Fri., Jan. 16, 1998

Sen. Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow, wants the state to set up an emergency fund for school districts before collapsing roofs or faulty electrical wiring kill children. The chairman of the Senate Education Committee is drafting a bill that would create an emergency fund to help school districts pay for crucial building repairs when bond levies fail and no other funding means are available.

News > Idaho

Land Board Wants Elbow Room Says Legislative Oversight Is Sluggish, Costs State Money

Wed., Jan. 14, 1998

On the heels of Rep. Jim Stoicheff's attempt to give the Legislature more say over the state Land Board, board members voted unanimously Tuesday to draft a bill mandating less legislative scrutiny. Idaho Attorney General Alan Lance said the Land Board shouldn't have to ask the Legislature for approval of every long-term commercial property lease. "Either the Legislature owns the whole process or the Constitution means what it says and we are responsible for state lands," said Lance, a member of the Land Board.

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