Darren Svan, Idaho Education News Journalist Profile

Articles

New CTE center aims to build homegrown workforce

3 weeks ago | bonnercountydailybee.com | Darren Svan

(Editor’s Note: Lake Pend Oreille School District will begin construction of the new Career Technical Education Center of North Idaho with a community groundbreaking ceremony at Sandpoint High School on June 9, 2025, at 9:15 a.m.)At a welding shop in Sagle or a healthcare center in Sandpoint, homegrown Career Technical Education graduates are plentiful across the North Idaho region.
Southside Elementary receives prestigious STEM designation

1 month ago | bonnercountydailybee.com | Darren Svan

COCOLALLA — The earlier students are introduced to science, technology, engineering and math, the better, because a STEM-oriented mindset enhances problem-solving abilities and boosts confidence for creating innovative solutions and out-of-the-box thinking.
Two Sandpoint High seniors thank football coaches in unique way

Mar 8, 2025 | bonnercountydailybee.com | Darren Svan

Sandpoint High School seniors Cooper Williams and Alex Garrison decided to thank their varsity football coaches in a unique way. The seasoned career technical education students spent countless hours constructing 15 trophies for football coaches and others. They made the metal awards trophies to provide a “physical” and “distinct visual” reminder of the 2024 team. “These trophies will always be around,” Williams said.
'I think you’re really going to like what you’re about to hear'

Feb 20, 2025 | bonnercountydailybee.com | Darren Svan

A bayou folk story harmonized by a chorus of croaking frogs and chirping crickets enchanted Northside Elementary parents, despite being more than two thousand miles from Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin swamplands. Outside the school, an audience of Northside parents navigated snow and cold but once inside the cafeteria, they were greeted by zany musician Kelly Thibidoeaux, a Louisiana native and 40-year veteran fiddle player.
SHS to create JROTC program

Jan 8, 2025 | bonnercountydailybee.com | Darren Svan

Sandpoint High School has been awarded the ability to create a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program in 2025-26, one of a few schools nationally awarded this distinction. JROTC is one of the country’s largest citizenship and character development programs for young people. It’s considered an elective class, meaning students choose to take it as part of their course load. There is no military obligation, and the program is not a military preparation class.
PAFE's puppies encourage reading

Nov 4, 2024 | bonnercountydailybee.com | Darren Svan

This year, one of the Panhandle Alliance for Education’s increasingly popular initiatives, the beloved Ready to Read program, delivered 236 puppies to delighted first graders. PAFE’s early childhood literacy incentive program provides each first grader in the Lake Pend Oreille School District with a plush puppy as a reading companion. And kids love them! Plus, prizes are awarded as they read books to their buddies.
'Grandma Deb' helps make Sagle Elementary a safe, happy place

Oct 1, 2024 | bonnercountydailybee.com | Darren Svan

SAGLE — On Tuesdays, the kids of Sagle Elementary affectionately call her Grandma Deb throughout the lively hallways and energetic classrooms of their small, rural school. From parents and bus drivers to kids and teachers, everyone knows Deb Holmes, a committed Sagle Parent Watch volunteer and friendly school matriarch. She takes pride in being a good citizen. “I feel at home in this community and I want the kids to feel at home. I try to make it a happy, safe place,” Holmes said.
Idaho Indigenous group speaks out against ‘firing’ of state Indian Education leader

Jul 1, 2024 | idahocapitalsun.com | Darren Svan

by Darren Svan, Idaho Capital Sun July 1, 2024 This story was originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on June 27, 2024. A group that aims to support Indigenous communities in Idaho spoke out on last week about the “reprehensible … firing” of Johanna Jones, the state’s longtime Indian Education coordinator. After spending over a decade as the state’s Indian Education coordinator, Johanna Jones is no longer with the Idaho Department of Education, EdNews confirmed Thursday.
West Bonner considers shuttering two elementary schools

May 30, 2024 | idahoednews.org | Darren Svan

PRIEST RIVER — In the wake of a failed $4.7 million levy request, West Bonner school trustees will gather the community’s input next month about a proposal to reduce staff and shutter schools next year. The patrons of this small North Idaho school district are confronted with the reality of a failed levy — students will be affected and jobs will be lost, a board trustee said during Wednesday evening’s special meeting.
Boise School District backtracks on Owyhee Elementary closure plans

May 22, 2024 | postregister.com | Darren Svan

Parent opposition convinced the Boise School District administration to reconsider how it manages the closing of Owyhee Elementary School. Owyhee’s fate was originally a decision slated for December but the district decided, among other changes, to vote in August, avoiding a seven-month wait for parents. At an engagement meeting this month, parents and school supporters adamantly rejected a proposal to convert Owyhee to an early childhood learning center in 2025.