By Sen. Jim Risch and Supt. of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield
(BOISE) – As a state, Idaho is often described as self-reliant and independent. We take pride in local control, including when it comes to our public education system. Unlike some other states, we do not look to Washington D.C. to govern our local communities. We know what we need – and how to get it done.
As the U.S. Department of Education continues its work to restore state control and localize educational governance nationwide, Idaho has put itself at the forefront of making the most of an opportunity to make our public system work for Idaho students – not for students in California or Washington D.C. This is a common-sense acknowledgement that different states and communities have needs that are best understood by the people who live and serve in them.
The Idaho Department of Education has recently applied for – and was granted – a federal waiver that will allow the state to make its own decisions on the spending of certain federal dollars. This work was done in response to a general complaint that when states receive federal dollars for education, they have limited authority in how to use those funds to maximize student outcomes. Now, with this federal waiver, schools are better positioned to meet local needs.
Idaho is now a proud member of states granted Ed Flex waiver status and is eager to make itself a leader when it comes to state-led improvements in K-12 public education. Simply put: the federal government gives schools a set of rules to follow. An Ed-Flex waiver gives a state permission to change some of those rules if there is a better way to help students learn.
There is an additional waiver to be submitted later this month. The Returning Education to the States waiver is designed to provide flexibilities that honor the principle that the people who know their students best – parents, teachers, principals, schools, and states – should have more authority to make decisions that fit their needs. The waiver brings decision making closer to students, reduces unnecessary paperwork, and allows schools to use their federal resources in a way that works for them.
These waivers, in addition to reducing state and federal testing for Idaho students, should send a clear message to Idahoans about where we stand when it comes to the importance of small government and local control. Idaho will continue to strengthen its reputation as a state where families feel confident in their public schools, where taxpayers feel assurance that their dollars are being well-handled and well-spent, and where students can work towards a successful future in their own communities and beyond. This is a major victory for Idaho’s kids and further reinforces that in this state, we value prudent, conservative stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
The best answers for Idaho’s schools are found around kitchen tables, in local communities, and inside Idaho classrooms. By rolling back federal overreach, protecting parental rights, and honoring local leadership, we can build an education framework that reflects Idaho values, respects local taxpayers, and equips every child in our state to succeed.
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About Debbie Critchfield
Debbie Critchfield was elected Superintendent of Public Instruction in November 2022 and was sworn in on January 2, 2023. Previously, she served as a seven-year member of the Idaho State Board of Education and was president during her final two years. Debbie was co-chair to Governor Little’s Education Task Force in 2019 and committee chair for Governor Otter’s Higher Education Task Force in 2017. She chaired the Re-Open Idaho Schools Committee in 2020 and was a member of the Governor’s K-12 Council.
