Author: 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.

Opinion

CRITCHFIELD: We’re Putting Humans in the Driver’s Seat When It Comes to AI in Idaho Classrooms

Superintendent Debbie Critchfield on Idaho's new AI guidelines for schools, low classroom screen time, and keeping teachers at the center of a child's education.

Debbie CritchfieldOct 6, 2026

Opinion

RISCH & CRITCHFIELD: Bringing Idaho’s Education Decisions Back Where They Belong

Sen. Jim Risch and Supt. Debbie Critchfield explain Idaho's new Ed-Flex federal waiver, which gives the state more control over how it spends federal education dollars.

Debbie CritchfieldSep 17, 2026

Opinion

CRITCHFIELD: This Year’s K-12 Public School Budget Looks Towards Idaho’s Future, Not its Past

Superintendent Debbie Critchfield explains this year's K-12 budget request, including new operational funding and a push to fix the one-time funding mechanism for high-needs students.

Debbie CritchfieldSep 4, 2026

Opinion

CRITCHFIELD: What’s Next for Idaho’s Public School Funding Formula?

Superintendent Debbie Critchfield outlines next steps for revising Idaho's K-12 school funding formula, unchanged since 1994, ahead of the next legislative session.

Debbie CritchfieldAug 26, 2026