Tuesday’s primary election is all but upon us and the stakes couldn’t be higher for education.
To help members make smart votes, IEA’s Political Action Committee for Education spent weeks interviewing more than five dozen candidates for statewide and legislative offices. Their bi-partisan endorsements of pro-education candidates in five statewide races 49 legislative races include nods for the governorship and superintendent of public instruction — both of which have huge implications on education policy.
CLICK HERE TO SEE IEA’S 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS
“The IEA has a great tradition of turning out in big numbers to vote,” said Layne McInelly, IEA President and PACE co-chair. “We’re counting on that again this Tuesday to continue the pro-education momentum we gained during the recent legislative session. We must elect pro-education candidates in these races to build on our recent gains for public education and earn more influence for IEA members in public education policy.”
Much is at stake on Tuesday, as these primaries come on the heels of the most successful legislative session for education in a generation.
In the legislative elections, new districts drawn through Idaho’s nonpartisan redistricting process have reshaped the political landscape and candidates of all political stripes — from pro-education IEA members to extremists bend on destroying our public schools — are vying for lasting footholds. Those who win will have real and lasting impact Idaho’s education policies when the Legislature convenes in January.
In races for powerful statewide offices, like Secretary of State and Governor, extreme public education enemies are running for every statewide office, challenging tested, knowledgeable, pro-public education candidates and incumbents. This includes the race for Superintendent for Public Instruction, an essential office for advancing public education in our state.
Also, elections at the county and school district level across the state include a number of levies and bond elections that could have massive impacts on our public schools and their students, families and Idaho’s educators.