Endorsement: Two former candidates face off for Boise school board. Here’s our pick | Opinion
The race for a two-year seat on the Boise school board features two candidates who ran and lost two years ago.
Krista Hasler and Matthew Shapiro are trying again this year, running in race No. 3 for a two-year seat.
Four incumbents are running unchallenged for seats. This is the only contested seat in the election that is on Sept. 3.
The editorial board endorses Krista Hasler in race No. 3 for the Boise school board.
Hasler, a mother of four Boise School District students, is a licensed clinical social worker and dance coach, and volunteers in Boise schools.
Shapiro, who has a child in the district, is a former educator and is now CEO of a renewable energy company.
Our assessment of Shapiro remains much as it did two years ago: We find some of his ideas interesting and worth considering. He is a big thinker, philosophical and cerebral, but we question whether, as a school board member, he’d actually get things moving.
A stark difference for us was the fact that Shapiro said he had not had a chance to attend school board meetings in the past two years, while Hasler said she has either watched or attended meetings and attended monthly workshops in the two years since she lost the last election.
Hasler demonstrated to us a deeper understanding of how the board works, what issues it faces and how it makes decisions.
“I’ve learned a lot about what’s in place in the district and I want to support what’s in place in our district,” Hasler told the editorial board. “I think there are a lot of really great things happening in the Boise schools, and I want to add to those.”
This editorial board two years ago had misgivings about Hasler, who seemed to be more interested in grinding old axes about COVID masks and vaccine mandates, and had earned the endorsement of the Idaho Liberty Dogs, a far-right extremist Facebook group.
Hasler disavowed that endorsement and said she would not accept it if the group endorsed her again.
Hasler does seem to have softened her positions and offers more than just complaints about how the district is run.
One of her priorities would be improving early learning and early literacy, involving parents more and seeking grants to address those challenges.
She said she wants to see increased opportunities through accelerated AP or technical learning, specifically accelerated learning in the seventh and eighth grades, and especially in English.
As she did two years ago, Hasler raises legitimate concerns about communication and transparency within the district. She pointed to the situation with the closure of Owyhee Elementary School, which sent parents and the community into a tailspin when it was proposed.
While the eventual process and resolution was a good one, she said, the fact that the decision seemed to have already been made and caught the community by surprise illustrates the struggles the district continues to have.
Yes, we are concerned about some of Hasler’s views. She was circumspect when asked about policies concerning Pride flags in the classroom, for example.
But this board does not need to agree with every view of a candidate to make an endorsement.
Hasler has been engaged and wants to help students in the best way she sees fit.
Finally, we believe it’s a good idea to have a voice of dissent on the board sometimes, which Hasler might provide. When all board members agree with one another and no one raises arguments, it leads to group-think and complacency.
If elected, Hasler would be but one person on a seven-member board. She won’t have power to unilaterally make policy, but she’ll offer perhaps a different perspective not currently seen on the board. And that can be a good thing.
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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