We asked candidates about their most important education priorities and where they stand on controversial education issues dividing the Legislature: school choice and Idaho Launch, Gov. Brad Little’s fledgling workforce training scholarship program.
All 105 seats in the Legislature are up for election this year, but our voter guide doesn’t cover all of them. We selected races with an education nexus — contests with education committee members, for example, or races that feature candidates likely to affect change on education policy.
Most candidates responded to our questions, and we noted those who did not. The responses were unedited.
Age: No response
Political experience or occupation: No response
What town do you live in? No response
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
No response
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
No response
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
No response
Age: 57
Political experience or occupation: Over the 24 years I have lived in Idaho, I have grown and developed skills in leadership, listening and community well-being. I have been a nurse for 19 years and in nursing we learn to listen to our patients no matter who they are, what religion or political affiliation or color, gender, wealth. I began as a hospital nurse at Gritman and moved through my career focusing on geriatrics and moving up to leadership positions on the Palouse and throughout the Western US. I even wrote and published a book on Elder Care for families and now work mostly as a consulting nurse. I have been involved in my community as a volunteer and board member at schools, and various community organizations. I was elected to the Moscow City Council 3 years ago and have learned a great deal about listening to and communicating with stakeholders, my fellow council members and the professionals.
What town do you live in? Moscow
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
No, public tax money belongs in public community schools. The reality behind the school voucher scheme is that outside national interests including the Walton Foundation (owners of WalMart) want to enrich themselves through the creation of a network of for-profit K-12 schools. These voucher schemes will hurt schools in rural areas and will ultimately provide fewer choices for students and parents.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
Yes, Idaho needs to support public universities like University of Idaho and Lewis-Clark State College in District 6. An educated population is the foundation of a strong democracy and we need to make sure our young people have every chance to continue their education beyond K-12. The Idaho Launch program helps students, families, employers and communities by providing opportunities for technical training and higher education.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
HB 521 is a start. However, the bill was written in a way that benefits larger schools and districts and will not provide the resources needed for smaller, rural schools. Rural students deserve to learn in schools that are up-to-date and safe. School repairs and funding cannot be based on average daily attendance, because it disproportionately helps large schools and does not provide an avenue for rural schools to repair and replace buildings.
Age: 63
Political experience or occupation: Finishing my 2nd term in the Idaho House of Representatives; Elected as School Board Member; Past President of the LCSC Foundation Board; Past President of the Idaho Assn. of Legal Professionals; Have served in many leadership roles throughout my career. Career in the legal field spans more than 45 years; past professor of Paralegal and Legal Assistant studies at LC State College; Small business owner with my husband, and cattle rancher.
What town do you live in? Lewiston
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
I am an avid supporter of public education and of the variety of school choice options available to Idaho families. My concern about a "new state program" that directs taxpayer dollars to private schools through a tax credit, voucher, or other means, is that these dollars could be directed to the over $1 billion in back maintenance and facility needs for our public schools. District 6 is a very rural district with a variety of rural school districts with NO or limited options for private education. The Idaho Constitution is clear and states "...it shall be the duty of the legislature of Idaho, to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools. Sending tax dollars to private schools might seem like a great idea in areas with many options for children, but what about the kids in rural Idaho? In the past, the proposed legislation that would divert approximately $70 million to private schools has NO ACCOUNTABILITY attached to these dollars. No where in Idaho's budget are there dollars that are spent with no accountability. This is unacceptable to me and to a majority of the taxpayers. There MUST be accountability. Other states are finding fraudulent spending of these dollars for family vacations, and other unrelated education expenses. In addition, the data shows that 70% of families who utilize these tax dollars are already sending their children to private school. What about the families who cannot afford to send their children to private school, even with the help of a tax credit or a voucher for $5,000, when tuition is probably closer to $12,000 - $20,000? Where is the, "...general, uniform and thorough system if we adopt this?" This is in essence an additional tax on the people and the people should decide if they agree to pay for this or not!
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
Yes, we should. Those advocating to "defund" public education and now higher education are losing sight of the fact that a state with uneducated people is a state in decline and in trouble. Idaho's higher education system offers our citizens and our kids the ability to continue their studies to help them become the best they can be. We are one of the fastest growing states in the Country and we must continue to provide opportunities for our citizens to educate themselves to compete for good paying jobs throughout the state and in a world that is ever changing. It is our responsibility to help educate our kids and that means we must help our public colleges and universities exist. The Idaho Launch program is something I have supported from its inception. We know that our pipeline for educated and trained workers must be replenished. This grant program will help do this. We need nurses, doctors, teachers, plumbers, HVAC workers, truck drivers, and more. The Launch Program will help Idaho students that may never have had the opportunity to attend a higher education program to obtain the necessary training and/or education to obtain employment that will support them and their families now and into the future. This program is not a handout, but it is a "hand up" to a better future.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
Yes, I supported HB 521, as it begins to address the backlog of repairs and maintenance for our Idaho Schools. Note that I say, "begins." 521 only begins to address the vast problem we have in our State. Many schools are in grave need of a new building and cannot pass a levy/bond to make it happen. When a public school has raw sewage running underneath the building, we have a major problem. I was happy to support the idea of helping our districts, however, there were several things I did not like in this "Christmas Tree" piece of legislation. Some of our districts just cannot bank the dollars and think it will help them build a school. We need to really address this problem and stop with these band aide approaches. I support the idea of having a large, medium, and small blueprint of a basic school where a district can run a levy for any extra bells and whistles they want. The State should pay for the basic school, when it is determined that the need is there. One can tour several schools in District 6 and see the vast amount of needs
Age: No response
Political experience or occupation: No response
What town do you live in? No response
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
No response
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
No response
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
No response
Age: 54
Political experience or occupation: As a small business owner, I have been in charge of budgets and finding ways to pay for what is needed and save where I can. Having served in the Idaho State House of Representatives since 2021, I have built several strong relationsships to create good policy for the people of Idaho and for District 6. I have been intimately involved in trying to bolster up our WWAMI program to assist in the doctor and nurse shortages.
What town do you live in? Moscow
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
I strongly support a parent’s right to choose the best educational option for their children, whether it’s public, private, or homeschooling. However, we must also uphold our commitment to a robust public education system that serves every child fairly. My focus has always been on getting our schools back to the basics—emphasizing core subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and civics—and ensuring that students graduate with marketable skills that prepare them for success in the workforce. We should prioritize practical outcomes in education, so students can leave the K-12 system ready to contribute to society, whether through a trade, technical career, or higher education. By focusing on essential skills and personal responsibility, we can provide an education system that works for everyone without unnecessary government expansion or wasteful spending.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
I support funding for specific needs at our universities, but I am opposed to creating new scholarship programs. I believe that, as long as policies are crafted thoughtfully, there is a valid role for certain funding sources to support higher education. However, we already have plenty of such programs in place. I do not see the need for additional ones. If we do decide to implement a new program, it should replace an existing one that has outlived its usefulness. I have concerns about the fairness of the Launch program, as it creates an unequal system. Some students may not pursue higher education due to abilities or just no desire to do so but they still contribute to society by working and paying taxes. It doesn’t seem fair that their taxes should fund someone else’s education. Additionally, I take issue with giving unelected individuals the authority to create rules that carry the weight of law. This undermines accountability and our republican form of government.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
I believe that HB521 provided some valuable tax breaks and will help schools in need of repair. However, I believe the distribution of funds was flawed. Some districts, which already have well-maintained facilities, received enough funding to build multiple new schools, while others—like mine—are left with crumbling infrastructure and minimal support. In my district, our schools are in desperate need of repairs, yet we received only a small portion of the funds. My goal is to hire an independent inspector to assess the condition of schools across the state. Schools should be replaced or repaired based on need, not just population. In Moscow, for instance, our newest school is over 60 years old, and our high school requires significant repairs. With only about $8.5 million in funding, it’s impossible to build a new school with that amount. We must ensure that state resources are allocated efficiently and equally, so every child has a safe and functional learning environment—no matter where they live.
Age: 76
Political experience or occupation: I worked in Special Education at Moscow High School before becoming an 8th grade science teacher at Moscow Junior High where I taught for 15 years. I have been active in Latah County for the past 53 years as a founding board member of several organizations such as the Moscow Arts Commission, Palouse Discovery Science Center (PDSC), and Friends of Phillips Farm Park. I also served on the board of the Latah County Parks Board for 13 years. After retiring from teaching, I became an AmeriCorps volunteer at the PDSC where I developed and delivered hands-on science programs to rural Idaho schools. I discovered the lack of science educational supplies and facilities that prevent our rural schools from providing engaging hands-on experiences that get kids excited about learning. My political experience consists of carefully watching the Idaho legislature for the past several years, reading and studying proposed bills, closely observing legislative hearings, testifying in many hearings, and teaching others how to give their input to the legislature through testimony. I was among the very first people to testify remotely in hearings when that option became available.
What town do you live in? Moscow
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
No, I will not support any program that directs taxpayer funds to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses. Proponents argue that this effort promotes “school choice.” However, Idaho already has a wide variety of options for school choice such as charter schools, magnet schools, online schools, home-schooling, private, and public school choice via open enrollment. Other states that have used public funds for private schooling have experienced a loss of funding for their public schools, a huge drain on state budgets, and increases in taxes, especially property taxes, making this approach fiscally irresponsible. Most students who receive ‘vouchers’ in other states have never attended a public school. This means taxpayers are subsidizing families that have already decided not to send their kids to public schools. This also means that taxpayers will be spending NEW money, or taking it from other places like public schools, to support three new school systems: private, religious, and home schools. Although public schools must accept all students, private and religious schools do not have to accept minority kids, kids with special needs, low-income kids, or anyone else. They also do not have to follow state standards or be accountable to the state for student learning objectives. Whether the use of public funds for private schooling is by means of a tax credit or school voucher scheme or some other form, it will undoubtedly decrease state revenue that could be used for public schools, provide a blank check to parents without any accountability or transparency, and would not benefit our rural schools where there are no private school options.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
Yes, the state should continue to fund higher education as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch. State funding helps make a college education more accessible and affordable for Idaho students. The LAUNCH program provides opportunities for high school graduates to pursue post-secondary education in a field that is ‘in-demand’ in our state, which will help all Idahoans. However, I believe there should be an annual review of the LAUNCH program to assure accountability and to re-evaluate the number and types of ‘in-demand’ careers that are included as choices.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
School facilities throughout Idaho are in great need of state funding and I support bill H 521 as at least a starting point. According to the Office of Performance Evaluation (OPE) report two years ago, it would currently take nearly a billion dollars just to bring Idaho school buildings up to “good” condition. Many districts have done their best to keep up to date, but there are a lot of deferred maintenance needs. This bill barely begins to scratch the surface of what is actually needed currently. However, additional unanticipated needs will likely surface over the next 10 years, which is the timeline for funding to be distributed. Therefore, I believe the timeline should be shortened. It is concerning that this bill contains a number of different legislative actions besides facilities funding. If I am elected, I will support bills that have a single focus, and I will always support increased state funding for public school facilities to assure the safety and well-being of all Idaho students.
Age: 75
Political experience or occupation: Boise City Planning and Zoning Commissioner (appointed) ANSER Charter School Board (appointed) State Senator, District 15
What town do you live in? Boise
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
I’m a solid no. First, it’s unconstitutional. Second, it would reduce funding for public schools and other state services.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
Yes. I think Launch needs five or six years to prove itself. I'm confident it will keep Idaho students in the state as future workers. The state should fund higher education as a service to citizens and to produce informed and employable future citizens.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
I supported it. I did not like that it removed important election dates for school levies and bonds. I didn't think changing the way the State Board and Executive Director were organized belonged in the bill. I'm afraid voters may think this bill solved facility problems for districts. It did not. There will still be a need for bond elections. I would support lowering the super majority required for school bonds to at least 60 percent. I would prefer 50 percent plus one.
Age: No response
Political experience or occupation: No response
What town do you live in? No response
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
No response
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
No response
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
No response
Age: 71
Political experience or occupation: Idaho State Representative (2018 - present) Director, Greater Boise Auditorium District (2013 - 2018) Hewlett-Packard Company/HPE (1981 - 2008, 2010 - 2018)
What town do you live in? Boise
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
I support the wide variety of education choices that Idaho already allows. This issue is not about school choice or parental choice, but rather having you pay for your neighbor’s choice for their kids. Every voucher-type proposal siphons public tax dollars away from public schools. This will inevitably increase property taxes by requiring more school bonds and levies to close the resulting funding gap. The private sector doesn’t provide the same protections that public schools do. They are not required to provide the same accountability. You may choose a private school for your child, but they don’t have to choose you. Your child can be expelled without recourse. Tuition costs can increase at any time. A lot of money has been spent by private outside interests to elect legislators who will support a voucher-type plan and it's reasonable to assume they expect a return on their investment. Private schools have every right to seek your business, and you have the freedom to make that choice for your children. However, public school tax dollars should not be used to enrich their bottom-line profits – especially when it takes money away from adequately funding public schools, and increase homeowner property taxes by forcing the need for more school bonds and levies.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
Yes, higher education should not be available to only those who can afford it. Every young adult deserves to have the opportunity to realize their full potential in life by pursuing the career of their choice. Higher education offers that opportunity. Only the state can best guarantee the broadest range of locally available – and affordable – academic and vocational choices that the private sector may not want to provide here in Idaho. A system of state colleges and universities also enables creating specific, targeted academic programs and technical career opportunities that will attract and retain employers with good paying jobs by providing graduates with the skills they seek to hire. This benefits all Idahoans, not just those with children who are or plan to be students at the state’s colleges and universities. The state’s continued investment in its institutions of higher education provides an enduring economic benefit that far outweighs the cost.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
No, House Bill 521 is a Frankenstein’s monster of a bill that stitches together a list of unrelated items while delivering a false promise of major investments in school facilities. Not only does the bill borrow $1 billion (plus interest), but it must first be used to pay off old school bonds before it can be used to fund current and future school facility needs. This doesn’t provide enough help for school districts needing additional revenue now. It will force most school districts to continue asking voters to approve new school bonds for ongoing maintenance and new construction. Paying off old bonds might temporarily reduce property taxes, but those savings will be lost when the cost of new bonds are added back in. In addition, the $100+ million needed each year to pay off the borrowed debt gets taken out of the budget for future school funding. This leaves less money available to allocate for public education each year. I support H755, which provides an excellent method for funding public school facilities based on need, not enrollment. The revenue for that funding can come from a portion of the $5.2 billion in annual tax breaks that never get reviewed and never expire. If only 10% of them were determined to be obsolete, that would generate over $500 million each year. The state could meet its constitutional responsibility to fund schools instead of pushing that cost onto homeowners via constant school bonds and levies.
Age: 46
Political experience or occupation: My experience spans both professional roles and community volunteer work. I began my career interning for U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) in Washington, D.C., where I attended Senate committee hearings, researched policy, and responded to constituent inquiries. This opportunity led to my career in government relations, where I represented financial firms during the Great Recession and healthcare clinics during the rollout of the Affordable Care Act. I also worked in corporate finance, supporting state government entities in the West with banking services and financing solutions. Alongside my career, I’ve been actively involved in political campaigns on both the East and West coasts, as well as in Idaho. Recently, I was elected as Precinct Committeeman in my Legislative District, and I am a first-time candidate for state office. Currently, I serve as a Senior Program Coordinator in the Idaho State Controller’s Office, where I leverage my experience in public policy, finance, and data analytics. My initial assignment was overseeing the distribution of $1.25 billion in CARES Act funding allocated to the state during the pandemic. I now lead the implementation of Insight Idaho, a legislatively mandated integrated data system.
What town do you live in? Boise
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
No new state education program or plan should come at the expense of public education. Funding should be appropriated and available for each student to receive a high-quality education, regardless of a family’s socioeconomic status, geographic location, or other factors that might otherwise limit their educational opportunities. It should also limit the need for school districts to run bonds and /or levies to maintain school facilities or build new schools to meet the demand of population growth. I believe that an educated society offers a number of benefits that extend far beyond individual gain. I am open to reviewing all options that will support parents pursue excellence in education for their children.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe the state should continue funding higher education and scholarship programs. I am proud to say that I am a product of the Idaho education system and was well prepared to complete my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I do support programs like Idaho Launch and efforts to bolster career and workforce readiness to invest in the next generation of Idahoans. Our toddler will be entering the educational system in two years. It is important that she and her peers have strong academic options from K-12 and beyond. I believe the state's education system and workforce development opportunities are cornerstones of our future prosperity and success.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
I support a comprehensive effort to improve the funding and maintenance of school facilities across Idaho, as it's critical that our schools are well-equipped to provide safe, modern, and conducive environments for learning. House Bill 521 represents an important step in addressing these needs. However, it’s essential that any approach to school facilities funding takes into account Idaho's unique rural and urban balance. What works for urban districts may not be as effective in rural areas, and vice versa. As this bill has only recently passed, I believe it’s prudent to allow some time to see how it is implemented before making any significant changes. Once we have had time to assess its real-world impact, we can determine whether any adjustments are necessary to better serve all communities across the state.
Age: 42
Political experience or occupation: APRN-RN, Owner/Provider at Idaho Outreach Medicine Currently serving as the District 15 B Legislative Representative
What town do you live in? Boise
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
I support educational options because it empowers parents to select the best learning environment for their children, which research shows can positively impact mental health and reduce risks such as school-age suicide. However, it’s important to balance this with the need for strong, well-funded public schools, as they play a critical role in serving all students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. I’m committed to weighing all perspectives, ensuring that any new programs protect both educational choice and the broader public education system, benefiting all students.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
I believe the state has a responsibility to support public universities and community colleges, but only up to a certain point. These institutions are vital in equipping students with the education and skills needed to thrive in the workforce, which in turn strengthens Idaho’s economy. However, we need to ensure that our investments in higher education are targeted and efficient, focusing on long-term benefits for both students and the state. That said, I do not support programs like Idaho Launch. While it is well-intentioned, its definition of "in-demand" jobs is too broad, and although it was designed to address vocational and technical career gaps, I believe the funding could be better directed toward improving career technical programs at the high school level, preparing students for the workforce earlier. Idaho Launch lacks a sustainable, long-term vision, and there’s no assurance it will meet future economic needs. For these reasons, and due to concerns about the effective use of taxpayer money, I voted against it.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
As a co-sponsor of House Bill 521, I am proud of its immediate impact on improving school infrastructure across Idaho. The bill secured critical funding for much-needed maintenance and upgrades to school facilities, while also lowering taxes for all Idahoans—a rare achievement that benefits both education and taxpayers alike. I do understand the concerns about the funding formula, which is based on average daily attendance and can potentially disadvantage smaller school districts. This is an issue I’ve heard from many communities, and it's something we are actively working to address. Despite these concerns, I believe House Bill 521 is a crucial step forward in ensuring our schools are safe, modern, and better equipped to support Idaho’s future generations.
Age: 63
Political experience or occupation: Small business owner, founder and CEO of the Boise Soul Food Festival, Founder and CEO OF Brown Like Me mentorship program, President of Boise Parks and Recreation. Graduate of the conservation voters of Idaho boards, and commissions program.
What town do you live in? Boise
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
I would not support a new state program that direct taxpayers money to private school families for tuition. Public money should be spent on public education. If you choose private education, you should be responsible for the cost.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
I believe we invest in our community by supporting higher education programming. So yes the state should continue funding higher education programs. This is an investment in our future. Investing in our young people is a great way to invest in our future.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
I have not researched this bill enough to have a clear answer to this question. I would like to have an opportunity to study the pro and cons of the bill before I could say O would support or not support it.
Age: 60
Political experience or occupation: Retired firefighter/paramedic 1 term State Senator, District 26
What town do you live in? Hailey
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
I would not support a new state program that would direct taxpayer money to private school families for tuition. Every public dollar spent on private education is a dollar taken from our public education system. Our public educators are underpaid, our public education system is underfunded. I would support changing our funding formula from average daily attendance to enrollment. Idaho's constitution says, "it is the duty of the legislature of Idaho, to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools." As a legislature, I feel that we are falling short on holding up this part of our constitution.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
Yes. I believe that the state should continue to fund its higher education institutions. Education and knowledge are power, and providing funding to these institutions will only make Idaho a stronger and more productive state. The Idaho Launch program is a great opportunity for students to further their educational pursuits, keeping Idaho students in Idaho. I am appreciative of Governor Little for working hard to get this program up and running and I hope that this program continues well into the future.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
I did support this bill but there are some changes I would like to see. I would like to see lottery funding for school facilities restored. I would also prefer having the school districts prioritize the use of the money, not the state. Charter schools lost money per student with HB 521 l and this needed to be fixed with HB 766, which restored facilities funding that was lost as a result of HB 292.
Age: 56
Political experience or occupation: We are a century ranching family in Jerome. I have spent over two decades working on agriculture and natural resource policy from a local to a national level. I also served two terms in the Idaho House of Representatives for Jerome and most of rural Twin Falls County from 2019-2022. I wrapped up my time in the Idaho House as Vice Chair of Resources and Conservation. Additionally, I served three years on the ID Behavioral Health Council where we rolled out the 9-8-8 Crisis Hotline in ID and stood up additional mental health resources for our youth. I also serve on the Idaho Contraceptive Ed. Network Board advocating for preservation and access to birth control in Idaho.
What town do you live in? Jerome
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
Idaho is one of the top-rated states in the country offering educational choice for its students. Education is one of the most important constitutional provisions that Idaho offers. I am all in for new ideas to improve Idaho student’s educational opportunities and outcomes. There must be accountability for the use of taxpayer dollars whether they are spent in a private or public school. My children attended a private Christian school in their early years and finished at a public school. Both options provided a solid educational experience--the former a choice we made to fund outside the purview of state government accountability. While that was best for my family, I think every parent has the right to make those educational choices for their own family. I worry about the implications to our rural school districts--we have a good number in LD26--who already struggle.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
Unequivocally, YES. Our community colleges, trade schools, and higher education institutions provide a valuable system to educate our future workforce. I appreciate the role higher education plays in Idaho. Together with parents, teachers, community leaders, and administrators, we can collectively, collaboratively, and responsibly develop the next generation of Idahoans who return to our communities as solid, productive members of their local communities.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
I support the goals of H521. In the long term, we need to do more to address the ongoing challenges faced by our rural and charter schools. We also need to address issues that have come up with the formula used in H521 that ties the hands of some school districts when it comes to how some of these dollars in the past.
Age: No response
Political experience or occupation: No response
What town do you live in? No response
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
No response
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
No response
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
No response
Age: 47
Political experience or occupation: 3 years D26 House of Representatives, 3 years Bellevue Mayor, 1 year Bellevue City Council
What town do you live in? Bellevue
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
No, I do not support subsidizing private tuition with public tax dollars. First and foremost, because doing so would violate Idaho’s Constitution. Secondly, the legislature has for decades chronically underfunded public education to the point that Idaho courts have found the legislature to be in violation of its constitutional obligations. By creating a separate and unequal funding of education in this state, we’d be facing costly lawsuits on top of risking the same runaway budgets as other states that have implemented school voucher schemes are now experiencing. Additionally, I have grave concerns about giving away tax dollars with zero accountability or oversight.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
Yes. Idaho is at the precipice of a workforce crisis, and I believe it is within the purview of the legislature to take action. The Launch program aims to give students who want to work in Idaho’s most in-demand careers a chance to succeed. Investing in our workforce means we’re investing in our economy, our families and our future. I also support funding our public colleges and universities. Idaho is home to a wide array of industries, and we need our students to be able to contribute, compete and innovate. Our public colleges, universities, and trades are teaching the students of today how to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
I do support HB521, but I would love to see a distribution formula that is weighted based on the cost of bonding at a district level. It’s much easier to bond in West Ada, Boise, or Blaine School Districts because of incredibly high land values. It has been far more difficult to bond in places like Salmon, or Dietrich, or Sugar Salem because the assessed values are often lower. That creates a disparity that we had the chance to correct last year, but did not. The distribution formula needs to be weighted similar to how Bond Levy Equalization is.
Age: No response
Political experience or occupation: No response
What town do you live in? No response
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
No response
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
No response
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
No response
Age: No response
Political experience or occupation: No response
What town do you live in? No response
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
No response
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
No response
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
No response
Age: 40
Political experience or occupation: I am a public high school math teacher currently on a one-year sabbatical so I can run this race. I work a construction job and ensure I can pick up and drop off my two young sons. I have no prior political experience other than working as a community organizer for land conservation at the federal level.
What town do you live in? Hailey
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
I do not support public dollars being used for private schools. Vouchers hurt rural communities most. Where is the school choice in the towns in my district like Shoshone or Richfield or Carey? In these towns the only school is the glue within the community, and has been so for over a hundred years. The Legislature has not funded these schools properly, and now these out of state interests want to take money away? From a district that can’t find bus drivers- or that has repurposed janitor’s closets for reading intervention rooms? Teachers, principals, and paraprofessionals have always found a way to move forward. I will fund these frontline and essential workers properly, rather than being like Arizona, which ran a $300 million dollar deficit playing with voucher schemes. I would make one notable and influential exception: for early childhood education from the age of 2 to Kindergarten. In this case I think parents, daycares, and head start programs need greater financial support to ease families’ cost of living and retain qualified and capable employees.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
The state should continue funding public colleges and universities and Idaho Launch. We have to continue to provide pathways for Idaho students so that they stay in-state and help us build a vibrant and efficient economy. This isn't done by taking money off the table. It's done by investing in STEM fields and construction jobs, in nurses and and teachers, in the in-demand career fields that Idaho Launch has identified and supported. My students might not be sure when they leave high school what is next, but they need to know that their representatives have their backs when the decide to move forward with their dreams.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
I support the long-overdue effort to modernize the infrastructure of our schools. I would have excluded the concession that school leaders have a pre-determined number of instructional days, instead leaving that decision to local school leaders. The spending could be tweaked further to ensure that rural districts like Shoshone, Richfield, and Jerome receive proper funding compared with large urban districts like West Ada.
Age: 42
Political experience or occupation: I have served three terms in the Idaho House. I currently serve on the Revenue and Taxation Committee, the Transportation and Defense Committee, and the Resources and Conservation Committee. I was elected by my peers to serve as the Majority Caucus Chairman. I have worked to build strong relationships in Boise to successfully represent Pocatello. At home, I run a business, estate planning and land use law practice. I started my law office 14 years ago and enjoy my work and my ability to help individuals and businesses succeed. I serve on several local nonprofit boards and community programs, including the Lillian Vallely Youth Foundation, providing educational opportunities for Native American youth. Some of my best experience comes from being a husband and father of two young children, who I tell everyday not to grow up. I know they will and I want the best for them and it motivates me to do my best as a legislator.
What town do you live in? Pocatello
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
I am against a voucher program. The 2025 Legislature likely will support more parental choice in education, with the potential to create new education tax credit. To support a tax credit, I will be looking for oversight and accountability. This includes a funding cap, prioritizing lower income families first, and whether it is a way to address some of the inequities I see with families being able to select the school that best fits student needs and talents, regardless of income, neighborhood, or community circumstances. We should continue to encourage more parental investment and involvement in educational outcomes. By providing pathways for more choice with accountability, much like the Idaho Launch grant program or the Empowering Parents Grant Program for K-12, we can match student to school, and student to career path, much earlier. This will help set our kids on a trajectory of success and to higher learning and higher earning with a job they want in Idaho.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
Yes. Idaho has a strong interest in funding higher education, including public college and universities and grant programs like Idaho Launch, and the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship. Our Idaho colleges and universities provide an excellent value and return on investment. I am always looking for ways to continue to encourage collaboration between institutions and to make sure that our higher education centers are intellectually diverse and focused on 21st century jobs, including adapting programs and classes to real world and local industry needs. We have done a good job with dual credit and dual enrollment with our high school students, and we need to continue to introduce our Idaho kids to all of the available programs and careers, and academic paths at our Idaho colleges and universities. With Idaho Launch and other available scholarships, we have removed most of the primary financial barriers for Idaho students to get post-secondary career training and qualify for an Idaho job without going into debt. This is a recipe for better financial security and success for families. We must continue to support higher education in Idaho.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
Yes. I was a co-sponsor of HB 521, providing the largest state investment in school facilities and property tax relief. While providing sales tax revenue to help modernize schools and provide new bonding option, the legislation also increased the funding to the School District Facility Fund by $25 million. With existing lottery funds it is approximately $50 million to help school districts pay down school bonds, levies, and plant facility levies, with any remaining funds being used at the district level for additional school facility projects. I am aware of issues expressed by some school districts with covering day-to-day maintenance costs, leading to struggles with paying for repairs and operational needs. I also understand some districts have shared concerns with restrictions placed on how funds can be used and the focus on long-term projects intended with the bill versus immediate operational needs, which may need to be addressed through other funding mechanisms, including supplemental levies. I will be looking at whether we need to clarify restrictions on use of School Modernization Facilities Fund created by HB 521, and whether we need to do more to address the shift in lottery revenue to help pay off bonds and levies.
Age: 58
Political experience or occupation: Trial Lawyer, Child Welfare Law Specialist, Former ISU Instructor and Program Coordinator, & Small Business Owner.
What town do you live in? Pocatello
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
No, I would not support a program that redirects taxpayer money to private school families. I believe that public funds should be invested in public education to benefit the widest possible student population and maintain accountability for educational outcomes. In Idaho, we still have tremendous deferred building maintenance deficits and special education budget deficits to contend with before we can consider diverting more funds away from our public schools. In other states, we have seen them blow budgets with these voucher programs. We have seen that most of the people benefiting reside in wealthy zip codes, and they were already enrolled in private schools. We have seen the “pop up” private schools that take public tax money with no demonstration of improved educational outcomes. We have not seen “choice” expand in rural communities or low income communities. We have seen fraud and grift at a large scale. We have seen private schools raise their tuition rates and still “price out” low to middle income families, even with a state subsidy. And we have seen many of these private schools discriminate against challenged learners, or against LGBTQ students, which is an irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars. Idaho already has a lot of education choices, including charter schools, magnet schools, open boundaries, and free range homeschooling. I will fully support the good choices we already have.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
Yes, the state should absolutely continue funding higher education and programs like Idaho Launch. These initiatives provide critical opportunities for Idaho’s students, particularly those from low- and middle-income families, to pursue higher education or workforce training. Programs like Idaho Launch ensure that Idaho remains competitive by fostering a skilled and educated workforce, which is essential for the long-term prosperity of our state. The success of programs like Launch, which has directly benefited institutions like Idaho State University and our PVTech school, demonstrates the value of state investment in higher education. I remain very concerned that if Idaho adopts a voucher or ESA program, we may not be able to keep programs like LAUNCH going, and I think that would be a big mistake for Idaho to make.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
While I support the overall intent of House Bill 521 to address the urgent need for school facility improvements, the bill doesn’t go far enough. Idaho's public school facilities are in dire need of investment, with deferred maintenance costs running into the billions. Idaho has long underfunded public education, especially in terms of infrastructure. I would advocate for a more robust and equitable solution that addresses these facility issues with greater urgency. This plan needs to be expanded to ensure all schools, especially in rural areas, have access to safe, modern, and well-maintained facilities.
Age: 58
Political experience or occupation: Electrician; Idaho State Representative 2022-2024
What town do you live in? Pocatello
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
I would not support a program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and education-related expenses. I believe that public funds should prioritize strengthening public education, not diverting resources to private institutions, including religious and homeschool settings. Idaho’s constitution mandates that the state ensures the education of all children, and public schools are where we achieve that. Directing public money to private institutions undermines public education and leaves many students behind. Instead of funding private interests, we need to invest in our public schools, improve facilities, and ensure that every child, regardless of their family's financial situation, has access to quality education.
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
Absolutely, the state should continue funding higher education, including public colleges, universities, and programs like Idaho Launch. As someone who has worked as an electrician for over 30 years, I know the value of trade skills and the role programs like Idaho Launch play in providing Idahoans the training they need for high-demand jobs like electricians, plumbers, and dental hygienists. These programs not only benefit students but also strengthen our local economy by creating a skilled workforce. Higher education should remain accessible and affordable to ensure that Idaho’s youth have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the state’s future.
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
I supported House Bill 521 because it provides necessary funding for school facilities, including those in my district, like Highland High School, which has needed critical repairs. However, the bill isn't perfect, and I disagree with the austerity measures it represents. Idaho's tax policy disproportionately benefits the wealthy, and cutting state revenue in this way has serious long-term consequences. While this bill includes some of the financing we desperately need, we must do more to ensure that rural schools are adequately funded. Many rural districts struggle to maintain basic infrastructure due to limited local tax bases, and any future amendments to this law should address the funding disparities that leave rural schools behind. Ensuring that every child, regardless of where they live, has access to a safe, well-maintained school is a priority.
Age: No response
Political experience or occupation: No response
What town do you live in? No response
Would you support a new state program that directs taxpayer money to private school families for tuition and other education-related expenses? Why or why not?
No response
Should the state continue funding higher education, including public colleges and universities as well as scholarship programs like Idaho Launch? Why or why not?
No response
Do you support House Bill 521? Is there anything in the school facilities spending plan that you would change?
No response
