Idaho school funding becomes central issue in superintendent race — 4 the People

The state of Idaho is ranked among the lowest in the nation in terms of how much is spent in schools.

Official response and confirmed impact

In fact, Idaho's blueprint for funding hasn't been changed in over 30 years. This November, Idaho families can change that.

The three candidates competing to lead Idaho's public schools each propose their own vision for how the state should fund education, an issue that has become the central focus of the superintendent race heading into November's election.

Candidates on the November ballot include Republican incumbent Debbie Critchfield, Democrat Becky Sundin Mitchell, and Constitution Party candidate Teresa Roundy.

Debbie Critchfield, the current superintendent, plans to rewrite Idaho's funding formula—a system that has remained largely unchanged since the 90's.

Her priorities include more resources toward special education programs and also speaking more openly about the mental health issue in schools.

In regard to spending, Critchfield sides conservatively. "We must live within a balanced budget. I absolutely believe that.

I'm unwilling to pay for education on a credit card," Critchfield said. Critchfield also explains her approach to the mental health issues in classrooms.