Debbie Critchfield

I am happy to report that our schools do focus on reading and math.

The transition from willing community member to effective school leader doesn’t happen overnight.

As we reactivate our schools as central hubs throughout Idaho, I’d like us all to think about the many ways they add value to the places we live.

So, I’ve commenced an honest, intentional and important initiative at the State Department of Education: strategic planning.

The bottom line is that Idahoans care deeply about what our students learn in the classroom and want them to be prepared for life and the opportunities in a growing state.

This is an annual State Department of Education practice and its timing is deliberate.

The year 2022 in Idaho brought with it long campaigns and high-profile races in the May primaries and November election. As a result, three of Idaho’s statewide offices have new leaders this week, including the office I now hold, superintendent of public instruction. With the rallies, speeches and debates of campaign season behind us, today…

I believe that we are responsible for developing adults who can manage their personal and financial decisions.

Our kids need to be taught how taxes, health insurance, credit scores, interest, and loans work, among other important financial skills.