A Mountain Home educator is jumping into the open Republican race for state schools superintendent.

Sherri Ybarra says she will focus on three areas in her campaign: providing students with 21st century abilities, not overtesting students, and providing students with a safe and supportive environment.

“I have proven myself as an effective leader with the commitment and vision it takes to make positive changes in education, and I’ve done this by being hands-on, experienced, dedicated and hard-working,” Ybarra said in a news release Wednesday.

Ybarra has worked in several educational capacities over 17 years, as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, federal programs director and curriculum director.

Ybarra joins two other announced Republican candidates: John Eynon, a Grangeville resident who teaches high school music and drama; and Randy Jensen, an American Falls principal. Several other Republicans have said they are mulling the race. Jana Jones, a former deputy state superintendent, is the lone Democrat in the race.

Here is Ybarra’s news release, in full:

With nearly 17 years of experience as classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, federal programs director and curriculum director, Sherri Ybarra announced her candidacy for state superintendent of public instruction.

“Education is my focus and passion, proven through my dedication and experience in the profession,” Ybarra said. Not only is Ybarra experienced in educational leadership, but she also has extensive education in her chosen field that makes her particularly qualified to serve as Idaho’s next superintendent of public instruction. She holds a B.A. in elementary education, an M.A. in educational leadership, and this summer she’ll be graduating from the University of Idaho with an Ed. S.E.D. in educational leadership, with an emphasis in superintendency.

Ybarra has also demonstrated her capacity as a qualified educational leader having previously led a school from failing status to four-star status – even when the students had a high rate of poverty and many were English language learners. She states: “I have proven myself as an effective leader with the commitment and vision it takes to make positive changes in education, and I’ve done this by being hands-on, experienced, dedicated and hard-working.”

Ybarra has experience helping schools find the resources they need to give their students the best education possible. As a principal, she obtained a “Fuel Up to Play 60” grant that improved technology and increased healthy physical activity. And she is currently working on a STEM project and utilizing grant writing as a creative and innovative way to fund more programs.

After 11 years as a classroom teacher, and 6 years as a school and district administrator, Ybarra is positioned to build a sustainable educational model that addresses the needs of the entire child. With a campaign slogan of “Address the Whole Child,” she intends to focus on three areas that will improve education for Idaho’s children for generations to come: Giving our children 21st century abilities, not overtesting them and increasing safety and support.

Stay tuned for more information about the campaign. Ybarra will be a Republican candidate in the May 20th 2014 primary election.