Idaho Education: Unpacked | Podcast in RSS.com

Idaho Education: Unpacked

Idaho Education: Unpacked

di Katie McGuire and Alexis Morgan

Stagione 1

Q&A with Alexis- Finding the right school fit and more

Katie interviews Alexis to discuss the myth of a “perfect” school fit, and what to prioritize when making school choices. They also talk about what to do if issues arise in the classroom, and how to thank teachers and staff at the end of a school year.

Legislative Session Recap

The legislative session finished up in April. We unpack three education issues from the session (budget cuts and colleges, virtual schools and IDLA, and high-performing districts flexibility) and discuss how they might affect Idaho families.

May primary elections and the weight they hold in Idaho

In just one month, Idahoans will go to the polls and vote in the primary elections for all 105 legislative seats, as well as the governor, superintendent of public instruction, and many other positions. For both the Democratic and Republican parties, these elections often determine who will win in the general election. Alexis and I discuss how these elections work and their implications for education.

The funding formula– why it matters for Idaho schools and students

This week, Alexis and Katie discuss that although the funding formula can be complicated, it matters to families in Idaho. This formula, which hasn’t been overhauled since 1994, determines how much money is given to school districts and charter schools to run their classrooms. More than $ 2.5 billion is being allocated.

The four-day school week: where it came from and what it looks like for families

This week, Alexis and Katie take a look at four-day school weeks in Idaho. What started as an attempt for rural school districts to save money has now spread throughout the state. In 2015, about 27,000 Idaho students attended a four-day school. In 2024, the number was around 100,000. Some families love four-day school weeks. Others struggle with them. We look at all the pros and cons and help you see what this might look like for your family if you are not already on a four-day school week. Plus, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Alexis gives wise advice about family holiday traditions.

Episode 8: Charter Schools vs. Traditional Schools: What you need to know

Schooling choices can come with real decision fatigue. Whether your child attends a charter school or you know nothing about them, tune in this week to get the big picture on what makes charter schools different than traditional schools, and get help making those important schooling decisions.

Episode 5 - Idaho’s Virtual Public Schools: Balancing Benefits and Costs for Families

Some Idahoans see public virtual schools as a great alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Others worry about their lack of oversight and the drain on the public school budget. This week, Katie and Alexis unpack these opinions, as well as the 2026 legislative debates. Find us on Spotify and Apple.

Episode 4 - Private School Choice Vouchers and What the Debates Mean for You

Last year, the legislature passed a bill that allows public money to be used for private schools/homeschooling. In this episode, Katie and Alexis explain what that means for you and your family, and help unpack the many voices and opinions around this legislation.

Episode 3 - Idaho’s $100 Million Special Education Gap — What It Means for All Kids

Legislators have already debated Idaho's increasingly dated funding formula this session. In this week's podcast, Katie and Alexis explore that formula, how it's led to a $100 million gap for special education, and how that gap can affect all kids.

Episode 2 - Making sense of Idaho's "budget deficit" and what the funding gap could mean for education

In this week's second podcast of Education: Unpacked the moms discuss Idaho's "budget deficit" and what the funding gap could mean for education.

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