The race to lead Idaho’s public education system is underway with the position of Superintendent of Public Instruction on the ballot this year.
Debbie Critchfield currently holds the spot and is running again in the Republican primary.
“I want to continue to build upon the work that I’ve put in place three years ago,” Critchfield said. “I think the results are speaking.”
Critchfield is running with some of the same principles as she did four years ago: getting back to the basic, protecting and promoting American values and preparing students with life skills.
“My philosophy about everything we do in education is ‘we are building the future,’” Critchfield said. “We are preparing the citizenry, those that are going to be in these elected positions, be our neighbors, own our businesses, contribute and serve our communities. And getting back to those fundamental educational pieces is critical in order to accomplish that.”
She said she is proud of the work she has already done, especially with what she calls her “signature program.”
“I am really proud of what I would call my signature program, the Idaho Career Ready Students program, where we’ve expanded or created career technical programs around the state that connect students to real world opportunities in their own backyards,” Critchfield said.
If she were to be re-elected, Critchfield says she will continue to work hard to spark change and growth in the Idaho education system
“I think that’s one of the values, and to me, one of the benefits of a reelection and asking for support; that the very strategies and the dedication that I put into the last four years is going to change,” Critchfield said. “We’re not going to lose focus or lose the investment of taxpayer dollars or the priorities that we had. We’re just going to keep going. And I would hope that as voters look at my record and look at how I’ve conducted myself and how I’ve worked towards those goals that they can expect and trust that I will continue to do that, which means there will be even greater success for our kids around the state.”
Currently there are no other people running against her, but according to Idaho Ed News, democrats are filing through candidates to run for office and are saying the race is a priority for the Democratic party.
The primary election is on May 19, followed by the general election on Nov. 3.
You can learn more about Debbie Critchfield on her campaign website.