Idaho Education: Unpacked

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.

This week, we hear about Alexis’ experience as a school board trustee. She also gives practical suggestions for how we can all engage with our local school boards, from “headline engagers” to “issue-by-issue engagers” to “all-out engagers.”

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Alexis and Katie discuss legislative updates, including attempts to address the $100 million special education funding gap. They also answer questions about choosing a school for your child, and what to do over spring break.

With Idaho’s 50th ranking in physicians per capita, you might have experienced long doctor wait times or trouble finding a specialist for you or your kids. This week, Katie and Alexis discuss how state leaders are aiming to address this problem through medical education.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This week the Idaho moms talk about navigating the Legislature and ways you can engage.