After a meeting with Julie Mead, the State Department of Education’s interim special education director, state superintendent Debbie Critchfield spent Tuesday morning at the Statehouse, as the House Education Committee debated a bill to provide up to $8,500 for high school graduates who want to pursue a college degree, a career-technical certificate or workforce training.

In her two minutes of testimony, Critchfield said the Idaho Launch program would be an expansion from traditional college scholarships. “It widens the gate.”

The committee passed the bill on a 10-7 vote, sending it to the House floor.

After her testimony, Critchfield headed to the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry’s legislative committee meeting, and hosted a meeting with the SDE’s executive team.

Tuesday afternoon involved preparation for the superintendent’s presentation to House Education on her vision and goals for career-technical education in Idaho. CTE has been one of Critchfield’s focal points throughout her campaign, election and transition into the superintendency. Critchfield is scheduled to speak to the committee Wednesday.