Snyder letter: Albertson Foundation

Why is Boise Superintendent Don Coberly using tax-dollar time, energy and resources to attack a nonprofit organization? The Albertson family foundation was founded by an Idaho icon, Joe Albertson, a leading philanthropist, business leader and job creator. They have given nearly $700 million to Idaho’s public schools, students and community. The Boise School District has received millions of dollars from them and now is publicly attacking them over a TV commercial? How does that help students? The “Don’t Fail Idaho” ad states, “If we don’t work together to improve education, we are all going nowhere.” Change needs to happen to benefit future generations and it must be done with collaboration.

This is not an “us” against “them” situation. Bringing the community, government and school officials together to figure out what will work best for each school, for each student is the goal. We must create a public education system that is engaging and incorporates personalized learning for all students. We can do better. We should be thankful this family foundation is engaged and trying to be part of the solution. Our kids are Idaho’s greatest resource. Lets work together to improve innovation and prepare them for tomorrow’s jobs.

This story was originally published March 21, 2016 at 7:18 PM with the headline "Snyder letter: Albertson Foundation."