State superintendent Debbie Critchfield met with legislators Tuesday morning before heading to the Statehouse for a rally celebrating National School Choice Week, where she addressed a crowd of over 150 people.
Critchfield reaffirmed her commitment to protecting parents’ right to choose the best education option for their child, and touted the choices already available to Idaho students, including public charters, magnet schools, online schools, private schools and homeschooling.
For more on Tuesday’s rally, check out EdNews’ daily Statehouse coverage.
The superintendent has received pushback for her stance on vouchers and education savings accounts in recent weeks. She told the House and Senate education committees she could not back any legislation that took funding away from public schools for use at private schools. But she has maintained strong vocal support for other school choice options, including expanding the Empowering Parents grants.
Following the rally, Critchfield attended a luncheon for Forestry Day at the Legislature, and met with the State Department of Education executive team.
She also met with College of Southern Idaho provost Dr. Todd Schwarz, and members of CSI’s Leadership Development Program.
She’ll finish up her Tuesday with the Shoshone-Bannock legislative reception, the Idaho National Laboratory’s community reception, and the Idaho Potato Commission’s legislative dinner.
