Idaho Education Association members endorsed a slate of pro-public education candidates throughout the state for the Idaho Legislature. As part of the endorsement process, IEA asked candidates to respond to a questionnaire about the issues that are most crucial to Idaho’s public school educators. As we approach the crucial Nov. 5 election, we’ll share their responses with members.
Here’s our Q&A with Sen. Janie Ward-Engleking, a Democratic senator running for reelection in Boise’s District 18. Her answers have been lightly edited for spelling, grammar, brevity and clarity.
What is your relationship to Idaho public education? While teaching, I spent many years involved at the building, regional, and state level of IEA and am a lifetime member.
Idaho does not fully fund its public education system. How would you propose to change that? One important thing Sen. Dave Lent and I achieved this past session was to obtain a study done by the Office of Performance Evaluation (OPE) to determine what “adequate” funding would look like in Idaho. This type of study has never been done and will give us the data we need to push for more funding from the state level, as the quality of your education should not depend on your ZIP code.
Second, the current decades-old funding formula must be revised. We need a more flexible formula that addresses the way students learn today, and it must be based on enrollment, not average daily attendance.
Third, the facilities bill that was passed last session needs some tweaking to ensure all districts have access to the money necessary to improve their facilities. Finally, we need to extend the Career Ladder or develop a new plan for improving teacher pay.
What is your position on vouchers to fund private school education? I am opposed to any scheme that siphons money away from public schools for private/religious schools. We currently rack near the bottom in per pupil expenditures … in fact, West Virginia, Mississippi and Alabama surpass us in spending. We do not have the revenue to expand funding to private/religious schools, and the Idaho Constitution prohibits any public funds from going to religious entities (Article IX Section 5).
Furthermore, it is not fiscally responsible to fund private/religious schools as there is no accountability tied to these taxpayer dollars. It is also important to note that Idaho currently ranks third in the nation in parental choice. This voucher push is not about improving parental choice, it is about privatizing public education and is being promoted by out-of-state organizations.
Idaho students are facing increasing mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. What steps, if any, would you propose to counter that? I have worked hard to increase mental health access and funding in Idaho, but there is more to do. We must increase student access to counselors and psychologists. The ratio of students to counselors is way too high and does not meet national guidelines. More peer mentoring programs and programs designed to engage students are needed statewide. I am pleased we were able to fund an extensive education program for schools on the dangers of vaping and using drugs, but so much more is needed to ensure our children have the help they need.
What is your position on fast-track, alternate routes to educator certification? Due to the educator shortage nationwide and in Idaho, more must be done to incentivize students to enter the teaching profession. I am currently supporting an apprenticeship program for educators … students would receive a stipend while doing their student teaching.
I also sponsored Idaho’s Rural Educator Loan Forgiveness Program and the LAUNCH program, which provides grants for Idaho students entering an in-demand career program. All teachers must receive the training needed to be successful in the classroom. Any alternate route must contain professional development and strong mentoring by master teachers. These programs must be carefully monitored, meet best practice standards, and result in producing highly skilled educators.
Idaho educators are frequently disrespected and targeted by anti-public education forces. What is your reaction to that? Public education has been targeted for years by those who do not believe public education is in the best interest of the country. A democracy is dependent on a well-educated public, and there are many who would prefer a different form of government. Public education is also expensive and there are those who would prefer it be done by private for-profit companies. These reasons, among others, mean we must have people standing up every day to tell our success stories and battling for quality, public education in Idaho. I believe every child deserves a chance to succeed and have spent my life making that a reality.
What are the main points you want IEA members to remember about you and your candidacy? I believe quality public education is essential for the success of our children and the businesses in Idaho. I will continue to advocate for public education and do all I can to elevate the teaching profession in Idaho.
READ OUR RELATED STORY ON ALL OF IEA’S 2024 GENERAL ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS