Both of the candidates running in the November 8, 2022, general election for Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction — Terry Gilbert (D) and Debbie Critchfield (R) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
The Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction is a state executive position in the Idaho state government. The superintendent heads the Idaho Department of Education, which runs the state’s public school system. The superintendent is a statewide constitutional officer elected by the people to four-year terms.
Here are excerpts from candidates’ responses to the question: What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
Gilbert:
- “Hire a certified, professional educator. Terry Gilbert has spent 14 years in Idaho classrooms and earned a Masters Degree in Curriculum Development. He has been endorsed by the teachers of the Idaho Education Association. Our opponent has only a been a substitute teacher and has no training in Education.”
- “The future belongs to the children of Idaho and they must be prepared to face it with the best education we can provide. What better way to share Idaho’s budget surplus than to improve and strengthen our schools. Vouchers would weaken our schools by transferring our tax dollars from public schools to private hands.”
- “Take politics out of Idaho education. Our opponent is supported by the most extreme political forces active in Idaho and nationally. Our children should not be pawns in a political power play.”
Critchfield:
- “Developing Skills/Job Ready: Our students must be prepared to meet the demands of the 21st century. That means access to the skills, resources and credentials that are needed to not only succeed, but to thrive.”
- “Required Graduation Class for Financial Literacy: One of the priority pieces of my overall vision for Idaho students rests on skills development for job readiness and a focus on personal finance, also known as financial literacy. Our kids need to be taught how taxes, health insurance, credit scores, interest, and loans work, among other important financial skills.”
- “Parent Engagement: Strengthening the role and responsibility of parents has to include providing meaningful opportunities for parent participation in the decision-making of their child’s education at home and at school.”
Click here to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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