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Several important bills to help charter schools in Idaho, Washington
Public charter schools in Idaho and Washington have been called the “have-nots.” Even though most are successful, they can’t pass bonds...

Chris Cargill
Feb 3, 20232 min read


Which state education savings account proposal is best?
Idaho, Wyoming and Washington are now all considering proposals for an Education Savings Account (ESA) program. This education choice...

Chris Cargill
Feb 2, 20231 min read


Idaho's education choice proposal - analysis and recommendations
Today, Idaho lawmakers introduced a bill (SB 1038) to fund universal education savings accounts (ESA) that would fundamentally change the...

Amber Gunn
Feb 1, 20232 min read


Washington joins Idaho, Wyoming in considering education choice
Washington state is getting in on the national movement for Education Choice. Just as Idaho and Wyoming advance bills on ESA, the...

Chris Cargill
Jan 31, 20231 min read


Yes, it's time to end religious discrimination in Idaho's constitution
In the debate over education choice in Idaho, much has been made about the Blaine Amendment of Idaho's constitution. Article IX Section 5...

Chris Cargill
Jan 25, 20232 min read


New education choice bills in Idaho, Wyoming
We’re getting our first look at the first education choice bills to be introduced in the Idaho and Wyoming legislatures this year. In...

Chris Cargill
Jan 25, 20232 min read


Education Choice Opponents Can't Hide Behind Idaho’s Constitution
The Idaho Supreme Court has recognized, “In the American concept, there is no greater right to the supervision of the education of the...

Amber Gunn
Jan 16, 20233 min read


Montana aims to expand education choice via tax credit scholarships for students
Montana Senator John Fuller has introduced a new bill that would expand the amount of money available for student tax credit...

Chris Cargill
Jan 12, 20231 min read


The evidence is clear – education choice improves outcomes
It’s all about improving outcomes for children. As President of Mountain States Policy Center, I’m proud to announce the launch of...

Chris Cargill
Jan 11, 20233 min read


Will K-12 spending increases lead to better outcomes?
Idaho Governor Brad Little announced Monday a plan to increase K-12 spending in Idaho in several areas. From the Governor's release: · ...

Chris Cargill
Jan 10, 20232 min read


Governor Little focuses on education, taxes in state of the state address in Boise
Governor Brad Little welcomed members of the Idaho State Legislature today with his state of the state address, pressing a theme of...

Chris Cargill
Jan 9, 20231 min read


Our role during the legislative sessions
The 2023 legislative session is already underway in Montana. In Idaho and Washington, lawmakers gavel into session on Monday. Wyoming...

Chris Cargill
Jan 4, 20231 min read


When activists accidentally say the quiet part out loud
In a recent column about K-12 education funding, I made a few simple requests of those who say we need to spend more: (1) tell us how...

Chris Cargill
Dec 23, 20222 min read


10 policy ideas for upcoming legislative sessions across the region
Nearly 500 lawmakers across Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, and Montana begin meeting in January for their state’s regular legislative...

Chris Cargill
Dec 20, 20221 min read


Two questions for those who say K-12 public education just needs more money
The release of our Idaho Poll this week has, rightly, received a lot of attention. Digging through the numbers, just about anyone can...

Chris Cargill
Dec 15, 20222 min read


The results of MSPC's 2022 Idaho Poll
Mountain States Policy Center (MSPC), in cooperation with the Boise-based GS Strategy Group, is proud to announce the results of our 2022...

Chris Cargill
Dec 14, 20221 min read


Tired solutions won't help improve educational outcomes for kids
Our ideas to improve public schools are getting a lot of attention. Not only was my recent column printed in more than a dozen newspapers...

Chris Cargill
Nov 27, 20223 min read


Court cases on education freedom could be felt here, soon
Education freedom for parents could be one of the top issues of the upcoming legislative session, not only in Idaho but across the...

Chris Cargill
Nov 21, 20222 min read


What's next for public schools following Tuesday's election?
The results from Tuesday’s election continue to ripple through state legislatures and school boards across the nation. Exit polling shows...

Chris Cargill
Nov 9, 20223 min read


Idaho's rural teacher shortage can be solved by attracting local talent
Small towns are known for news traveling fast and one frequent topic of conversation is the local school. Rural communities rally around...

Madilynne Clark
Nov 1, 20222 min read
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