Who’s running for Caldwell, Vallivue school boards? Our Voter Guide highlights candidates
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Elections 2023 in Ada & Canyon counties
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In the Caldwell School Board race, incumbents in Zones 2, 3 and 4 are facing challengers after a contentious year.
In January, the board drafted a potential policy over gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. The board was forced to end an ensuing meeting early when it devolved into shouted threats and insults towards the board, according to prior Idaho Statesman reporting.
The meeting began to break down when Sen. Chris Trakel, R-Caldwell, accused the board of risking student “moral health and safety” and raised his voice at them, sparking the crowd into yelling. The next board meeting following the incident was canceled over security concerns.
Trakel’s wife, Nicole Trakel, is challenging incumbent Travis Manning in Zone 3 in the Nov. 7 election. Nicole Hyland, who has received donations from Sen. Trakel, is challenging Andrew Butler in Zone 4.
Ray Horrell is challenging incumbent Manuel Godina in Zone 2.
Each candidate has views about the future of the Caldwell School District on topics from funding to board transparency.
Zone 2 includes southwestern Caldwell, surrounding the intersection of Ustick and Farmway roads. Zone 3 includes western Caldwell and a portion of downtown. Zone 4 covers most of northern Caldwell. Zones 1 and 5, which are not on the ballot this year, cover south, east and central Caldwell.
Vallivue School Board race
Incumbent Paul Tierney is facing challenger Brian Bishop in the race to represent Vallivue School District Zone 4.
The district surrounds the western, southern and eastern edges of Caldwell and borders Nampa. Zone 4 includes the northeastern corner of the district, east of Caldwell and north of Nampa.
Incumbents Toni Brinegar and Amy Johnson, who represent Zone 3 and Zone 5, are running unopposed to keep their seats. The seats representing Zone 1 and 2 are not on the ballot this year.
The Idaho Statesman sent surveys to each candidate in the contested Zone 4 race, and their responses are presented below, unedited. Candidate Ray Horrell did not respond.
Swipe below to see all the candidates, or use the slider below them.
To learn about this race and other local elections, visit the Idaho Statesman’s election page.
Caldwell School Board
Vallivue School Board
This story was originally published October 19, 2023 at 4:00 AM.
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