Both candidates for Idaho superintendent are good choices, but one holds an advantage
Idaho voters have two excellent choices in the race for Idaho superintendent of public instruction.
Republican Debbie Critchfield, who defeated incumbent Sherri Ybarra in the May primary, is facing Democrat Terry Gilbert.
The Idaho Statesman endorses Critchfield in this race, primarily for what we believe will be her ability to work with a Republican governor and a Republican supermajority in the Legislature to move Idaho public education forward.
Gilbert is a longtime teacher who is a staunch defender of public education. He is well-versed in the issues facing teachers and the challenges of being in the classroom.
We particularly like his coined phrase “voucher vultures,” to describe those who want to siphon taxpayer dollars to private education.
But Critchfield’s experience, particularly as the president of the State Board of Education, make her singularly qualified and prepared to take on the job on Day One.
While Critchfield’s position on public education funding may be more nuanced and lacks the moral certainty of Gilbert’s position, Critchfield understands the complexity of the issue and remains open to discussion about such things as “strong families, strong students” grants and expanding school choice without taking funds away from public education.
Like Gilbert, Critchfield is against “voucherizing,” as she puts it, the Idaho public education system.
Critchfield remains enthusiastic and clearly hopeful about what she feels she can accomplish for Idaho public education as superintendent. That enthusiasm and optimism come from her extensive experience within the political system that the superintendent of public instruction must navigate to be successful.
Critchfield served on the Idaho Board of Education for seven years, two as president. As president, she was consistently out in front, speaking out on issues, whether it was funding formulas, higher education, reopening schools during the pandemic, critical race theory or content standards. As president, she took a “buck stops here” approach to her job, and in many ways, it seemed like Critchfield was already the de facto superintendent during her tenure as board president.
She has already worked with two governors and served on both Gov. Brad Little and former Gov. Butch Otter’s education task forces, Little’s education council, the state technology council and the state dual credit task force.
“You will see me work with the Legislature in ways that I don’t believe there’s a lot of evidence of, whether it’s working on legislation or bringing ideas forward,” Critchfield told the editorial board in an interview. “So legislative-wise, that’s going to look a lot different.”
She will be a familiar face around the Capitol and will already have allies to help her advance her agenda.
With a burgeoning state budget, Idaho has a tremendous opportunity to make investments in public education that will propel the state into the future and pay dividends for years to come. It will take a superintendent of public instruction with political connections and a deep knowledge of how the system works to get it done.
Critchfield is the best person for that job.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow we write endorsements
Who decides the endorsements?
Members of Idaho Statesman editorial board interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The editorial board is composed of journalists and community members. Members of the Statesman editorial board are: Statesman editor Chadd Cripe, opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, assistant editor Jim Keyser and community members John Hess, Debbie McCormick and Julie Yamamoto.
What does the endorsement process entail?
The Statesman editorial board meets with political candidates and asks them a series of questions about policy issues. The editorial board discusses the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. The editorial board generally will not endorse a candidate who does not agree to an interview with the board members.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well-prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues and their understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats. We make recommendations about who the best-qualified candidates for these jobs are.
Why are endorsements unsigned?
Endorsements reflect the collective views of the Statesman’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.
Do I have to vote for the candidate the Statesman endorses?
Of course not. An endorsement is just our recommendation based on the candidates’ backgrounds and their answers to editorial board questions.
Can I disagree with the Statesman’s endorsement?
Of course you can. We encourage voters to do their own research and choose the candidate who best represents your views.
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