State, local education leaders gather in Ponderay

By Reader Staff

As many as 90 citizens of Legislative District 1 gathered Feb. 10 in Ponderay for a summit on education, featuring Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield and Lake Pend Oreille School District Superintendent Becky Meyer as featured speakers.

Hosted by nonprofit North Idaho Voter Services, the event focused on “using facts to rebuild trust in our schools,” with attendees including leaders from education, business, civic organizations and nonprofits — all “committed to the success of public education,” according to organizers.

Critchfield identified her priorities, extending beyond reading and math to include career technical training. Meyer addressed her comments to the positive results being generated by local teachers.

Of particular interest to attendees was the confusion regarding how school choice and vouchers — both the subject of bills before the Idaho Legislature — could affect education funding throughout the state.

Critchfield recognized that “there is much confusion about school choice,” and there already exist a variety of school choice options for Idaho parents.

“I am open to discussions about funding more choices, but it cannot defund public schools,” she said.

The session was concluded by NIVS President Diana Dawson, who underscored, “We the voters must engage.”

“Education is essential to our children, our families, our communities, and our democracy,” she said.