A key member of state superintendent Debbie Critchfield’s inner circle is leaving the Department of Education. 

Chief deputy superintendent Ryan Cantrell will resign next month, Critchfield announced in a news release Thursday. The notice didn’t mention a reason for Cantrell’s departure, but the superintendent offered a grateful send-off. 

“We will miss Ryan and I am thankful that he shared with us his immense talents during a critical time at the department,” she said in the release. “His legacy here will be the change in direction and culture he helped implement over the last 21 months. Ryan is such a huge asset to public education in our state.”

Cantrell is a former public school teacher, principal and local superintendent. Prior to joining the department, he was the director of district programs for the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance, a statewide online school. Critchfield hired Cantrell shortly after she won the superintendent’s race in 2022.

As deputy superintendent for the agency, Cantrell led several teams that focused on direct service to students, and he oversaw outreach to school administrators. He also represented the department during legislative sessions and assisted Critchfield with her work on the State Board of Education. 

Cantrell said he’s grateful for his time with the department. His last day will be Oct. 25. 

“It’s been an absolute privilege to work with so many committed educators throughout the state,” he said in the news release. “I’m excited to pursue my next professional opportunity with this positive experience as a guide. I will leave knowing that the department is in a really good place and I’m proud to have been able to help contribute to that.”