Emma Epperly
@emmaepperly.bsky.social
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]
Alum of The Spokesman-Review, Adjunct at Gonzaga & Eastern Washington University
Sometimes swimmer, frequent reader and constant cat mom
-tips, encouragement, & complaints - 📧: [email protected]
Reposted by Emma Epperly
Public school trustees' opposition to public funds going to private schools was front and center Friday on the final day of the Idaho School Boards Association's annual meeting in North Idaho.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/var... #idedu
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/var... #idedu
Various funding concerns dominate trustees’ business session
The resolutions they approved will dictate lobbying priorities during the 2026 legislative session.
www.idahoednews.org
November 14, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Public school trustees' opposition to public funds going to private schools was front and center Friday on the final day of the Idaho School Boards Association's annual meeting in North Idaho.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/var... #idedu
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/var... #idedu
Reposted by Emma Epperly
The Idaho Constitution “doesn’t foreclose the Legislature from doing more” than establishing a “uniform” public school system, they wrote.
www.idahoednews.org/news/state-a...
www.idahoednews.org/news/state-a...
State attorneys defend authority to subsidize private education
The Idaho Constitution doesn’t limit the state to only supporting the public school system, state attorneys argued.
www.idahoednews.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:38 PM
The Idaho Constitution “doesn’t foreclose the Legislature from doing more” than establishing a “uniform” public school system, they wrote.
www.idahoednews.org/news/state-a...
www.idahoednews.org/news/state-a...
Reposted by Emma Epperly
A university professor took her public records complaint to court. A judge sided with Boise State. But taxpayers could be on the hook for close to $45,000. #idleg #idaho www.idahoednews.org/top-news/a-b...
A Boise State public records request leads to a rare, costly court dispute
A university professor took her public records complaint to court. A judge sided with Boise State. But taxpayers could be on the hook for close to $45,000.
www.idahoednews.org
November 10, 2025 at 8:35 PM
A university professor took her public records complaint to court. A judge sided with Boise State. But taxpayers could be on the hook for close to $45,000. #idleg #idaho www.idahoednews.org/top-news/a-b...
Reposted by Emma Epperly
The average superintendent salary in Idaho increased less than $1,000 over last year with the same three school districts paying their leaders over $200,000, according to new data analyzed by EdNews.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/top... #idedu
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/top... #idedu
Top paid administrators come from the largest districts; see this year’s list
INSIDE: See what your district or charter leader gets paid.
www.idahoednews.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:18 PM
The average superintendent salary in Idaho increased less than $1,000 over last year with the same three school districts paying their leaders over $200,000, according to new data analyzed by EdNews.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/top... #idedu
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/top... #idedu
Reposted by Emma Epperly
School funding is the key theme that runs through the resolutions that hundreds of Idaho trustees will consider later this week. The proposals could guide their lobbying efforts during the 2026 legislative session.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/hun... #idedu #idpol #schoolboard
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/hun... #idedu #idpol #schoolboard
Hundreds of trustees convene in Coeur d’Alene this week for annual convention
The agenda includes networking, workshops and voting on a legislative platform. INSIDE: The 13 resolutions to be considered.
www.idahoednews.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:56 PM
School funding is the key theme that runs through the resolutions that hundreds of Idaho trustees will consider later this week. The proposals could guide their lobbying efforts during the 2026 legislative session.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/hun... #idedu #idpol #schoolboard
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/hun... #idedu #idpol #schoolboard
Reposted by Emma Epperly
A stinging legislative staff report outlined several familiar problems with the multimillion-dollar upgrade — but exposed some new problems. #idleg #idaho www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...
State Board staff misspent $1.8 million earmarked for botched data project
A stinging legislative staff report outlined several familiar problems with the Idaho System for Educational Excellence upgrade — but exposed some new problems.
www.idahoednews.org
November 5, 2025 at 8:29 PM
A stinging legislative staff report outlined several familiar problems with the multimillion-dollar upgrade — but exposed some new problems. #idleg #idaho www.idahoednews.org/top-news/sta...
Reposted by Emma Epperly
Clearwater Valley’s levy passed with 54% in support, while Grangeville’s failed with 54% opposed.
www.idahoednews.org/news/shockin... #idedu #education #k12 #idpol
www.idahoednews.org/news/shockin... #idedu #education #k12 #idpol
Shocking election outcome sends Grangeville reeling and Clearwater Valley roaring
Mountain View School District Superintendent Alica Holthaus went through a roller coaster of emotions looking at election results Tuesday night: surprise, elation, and confusion. Holthaus is overse…
www.idahoednews.org
November 5, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Clearwater Valley’s levy passed with 54% in support, while Grangeville’s failed with 54% opposed.
www.idahoednews.org/news/shockin... #idedu #education #k12 #idpol
www.idahoednews.org/news/shockin... #idedu #education #k12 #idpol
Reposted by Emma Epperly
Overall, 19 of the 26 supplemental levies on the ballot passed. Seven failed. Two of the four plant facilities levies passed; two failed.
See the results from your school district here:
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/...
#idedu #idpol
See the results from your school district here:
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/...
#idedu #idpol
All bonds rejected, most levies pass
The ballot measures total more than $155 million. INSIDE: Find out what’s on your ballot.
www.idahoednews.org
November 5, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Overall, 19 of the 26 supplemental levies on the ballot passed. Seven failed. Two of the four plant facilities levies passed; two failed.
See the results from your school district here:
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/...
#idedu #idpol
See the results from your school district here:
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/...
#idedu #idpol
Clearwater Valley’s levy passed with 54% in support, while Grangeville’s failed with 54% opposed.
A surprise to trustees and the superintendent, as the two districts that used to make up Mountain View School District appeal to voters for the first time.
www.idahoednews.org/news/shockin... #idpol
A surprise to trustees and the superintendent, as the two districts that used to make up Mountain View School District appeal to voters for the first time.
www.idahoednews.org/news/shockin... #idpol
Shocking election outcome sends Grangeville reeling and Clearwater Valley roaring
Mountain View School District Superintendent Alica Holthaus went through a roller coaster of emotions looking at election results Tuesday night: surprise, elation, and confusion. Holthaus is overse…
www.idahoednews.org
November 5, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Clearwater Valley’s levy passed with 54% in support, while Grangeville’s failed with 54% opposed.
A surprise to trustees and the superintendent, as the two districts that used to make up Mountain View School District appeal to voters for the first time.
www.idahoednews.org/news/shockin... #idpol
A surprise to trustees and the superintendent, as the two districts that used to make up Mountain View School District appeal to voters for the first time.
www.idahoednews.org/news/shockin... #idpol
Reposted by Emma Epperly
See the teacher evaluation grades in your district or charter.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/nea...
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/nea...
Nearly 99% of public school teachers graded ‘proficient’ or better
Teachers continue to earn overwhelmingly positive grades in the annual reviews that affect raises and the state funding public schools receive.
www.idahoednews.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:32 PM
See the teacher evaluation grades in your district or charter.
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/nea...
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/nea...
Reposted by Emma Epperly
The simmering dispute between the Oneida School District and the state involves at least $7.8 million for a new elementary school. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/news/multimi...
Multimillion-dollar K-12 funding dispute returns to court
A state law stripped away at least $7.8 million for a new elementary school, imposing an “unexpected financial burden” on local property owners, Oneida School District attorneys say. A state attorn…
www.idahoednews.org
November 4, 2025 at 8:42 PM
The simmering dispute between the Oneida School District and the state involves at least $7.8 million for a new elementary school. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/news/multimi...
Reposted by Emma Epperly
North Idaho College made progress on the ongoing recommendations from accreditors, according to a report released late Wednesday from evaluators who visited the college last month.
www.idahoednews.org/news/accredi... #ednews #idaho
www.idahoednews.org/news/accredi... #ednews #idaho
Accreditor report: NIC made sustainable progress on recommendations
The college remains on probation with its accreditor.
www.idahoednews.org
October 30, 2025 at 3:20 PM
North Idaho College made progress on the ongoing recommendations from accreditors, according to a report released late Wednesday from evaluators who visited the college last month.
www.idahoednews.org/news/accredi... #ednews #idaho
www.idahoednews.org/news/accredi... #ednews #idaho
The report bodes well for school leaders, who hope to return to good standing with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities at their next meeting in January. NIC is currently on probation.
www.idahoednews.org/news/accredi...
#communitycollege #idedu #education
www.idahoednews.org/news/accredi...
#communitycollege #idedu #education
Accreditor report: NIC made sustainable progress on recommendations
The college remains on probation with its accreditor.
www.idahoednews.org
October 30, 2025 at 3:20 PM
The report bodes well for school leaders, who hope to return to good standing with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities at their next meeting in January. NIC is currently on probation.
www.idahoednews.org/news/accredi...
#communitycollege #idedu #education
www.idahoednews.org/news/accredi...
#communitycollege #idedu #education
Reposted by Emma Epperly
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...
NIC President Nick Swayne estimates that 20% of North Idaho high schoolers are receiving a classical education either at home or from a private or charter school.
www.idahoednews.org/news/north-i... #classicaleducation #Idaho #idedu #idpol #hillsdale
www.idahoednews.org/news/north-i... #classicaleducation #Idaho #idedu #idpol #hillsdale
North Idaho College hopes to meet demand for classical education with new pathway
It is set to open in the Fall of 2026.
www.idahoednews.org
October 29, 2025 at 6:13 PM
NIC President Nick Swayne estimates that 20% of North Idaho high schoolers are receiving a classical education either at home or from a private or charter school.
www.idahoednews.org/news/north-i... #classicaleducation #Idaho #idedu #idpol #hillsdale
www.idahoednews.org/news/north-i... #classicaleducation #Idaho #idedu #idpol #hillsdale
Voters will see evidence of the growing special education funding gap on their ballots next month, as seven school districts seek more than $3.3 million in supplemental levy funds to pay for special education.
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/... #sped #specialeducation #idpol
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/... #sped #specialeducation #idpol
Special ed services show up more explicitly in November levy ballot language
Seven school districts seek more than $3.3 million in supplemental levy funds to pay for special education services.
www.idahoednews.org
October 27, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Voters will see evidence of the growing special education funding gap on their ballots next month, as seven school districts seek more than $3.3 million in supplemental levy funds to pay for special education.
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/... #sped #specialeducation #idpol
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/... #sped #specialeducation #idpol
Reposted by Emma Epperly
The owners declined to answer any questions about whether they plan to sell the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, or whether Idaho State has the inside track on a purchase. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/news/icom-ow...
ICOM owners mum on potential sale
Meanwhile, Idaho State University is publicly courting the private, for-profit medical school, located adjacent to ISU’s Meridian campus.
www.idahoednews.org
October 22, 2025 at 7:58 PM
The owners declined to answer any questions about whether they plan to sell the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, or whether Idaho State has the inside track on a purchase. #idaho #idleg www.idahoednews.org/news/icom-ow...
Reposted by Emma Epperly
School districts aren’t allowed to mention state tax relief in official ballot language, so Nampa leaders are hoping to spread the word before voters head to the polls next month.
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/...
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/...
School leaders tout state tax relief that will make bonds, levies cheaper
It’s a discount that has the potential to sway voters who are on the fence about supporting ballot measures in November.
www.idahoednews.org
October 20, 2025 at 7:55 PM
School districts aren’t allowed to mention state tax relief in official ballot language, so Nampa leaders are hoping to spread the word before voters head to the polls next month.
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/...
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/...
Reposted by Emma Epperly
Minimum teacher pay ranges from $50,252 in 94 school districts to a high of $58,594 in Blaine County.
www.idahoednews.org/news/most-id... #idedu #idpol #education #teacherpay
www.idahoednews.org/news/most-id... #idedu #idpol #education #teacherpay
Most Idaho districts and charters start teachers at state minimum salary, 47 pay more
INSIDE: Find out who pays the most.
www.idahoednews.org
October 21, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Minimum teacher pay ranges from $50,252 in 94 school districts to a high of $58,594 in Blaine County.
www.idahoednews.org/news/most-id... #idedu #idpol #education #teacherpay
www.idahoednews.org/news/most-id... #idedu #idpol #education #teacherpay
The November election is just around the corner, with $156 million in school-related property tax increases across three bonds and 30 levies on the ballot in Idaho and dozens of school board trustee races.
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/... #idedu #elections #Idpol
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/... #idedu #elections #Idpol
Our Voter Guide: Election Day is just around the corner
Be prepared to vote on local races and education measures.
www.idahoednews.org
October 21, 2025 at 3:24 PM
The November election is just around the corner, with $156 million in school-related property tax increases across three bonds and 30 levies on the ballot in Idaho and dozens of school board trustee races.
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/... #idedu #elections #Idpol
www.idahoednews.org/elections25/... #idedu #elections #Idpol
Reposted by Emma Epperly
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.
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
October 15, 2025 at 8:34 PM
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.
Meanwhile, Jerome is in the process of updating a 19-year-old policy that prohibits the public from recording school board meetings.
Reposted by Emma Epperly
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
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
September 23, 2025 at 6:01 PM
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
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/no-... #idedu
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
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
September 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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
Reflections from her year in the spotlight below:
www.idahoednews.org/top-news/no-... #everyoneiswelcomehere #idedu #idaho #k12
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
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
September 15, 2025 at 7:34 PM
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
www.idahoednews.org/features/sup... #idedu #superstruggle
Reposted by Emma Epperly
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
September 10, 2025 at 8:53 PM
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...