Featured Series

Stories about Idaho’s educators, students and policy makers plus features on bright spots in Idaho education.

Day 10: Meeting with lawmakers

The superintendent attended a town hall meeting about school choice.

Day 9: Meetings and a retirement party

Critchfield enjoyed time with regional superintendents.

Day 8: House Education Committee’s first meeting

Tuesday’s meeting was organizational.

Day 7: State of the State

“Once again, I see that Governor Little is demonstrating his commitment to education,” Critchfield said, following the governor’s annual speech.

Day 4: The induction ceremony

The State Department of Education also released the salaries of Critchfield’s first hires Friday.

Day 3: A trip to a teen crisis center

She’ll be back in Boise Friday for her formal swearing in on the Statehouse steps.

Day 2: Meeting employees

“It feels like an avalanche,” Debbie Critchfield said of the transition. “But it also is really exhilarating.”

Retired teacher takes over House Education Committee

Rep. Julie Yamamoto says she wants to create a collaborative environment in her committee as the members take up some of the most divisive issues in Idaho education, such as school choice.

‘A very interesting year ahead of us:’ Lent steps in as Senate Education chair

The key is keeping the infighting and ideological battles to a minimum, said Sen. Dave Lent, R-Idaho Falls, who brings a diverse resume to one of the most crucial assignments at the Statehouse.