Idaho’s House Education Committee got the 2017 session underway with an introductory meeting on Wednesday morning. Rep. Julie VanOrden (R-Pingree), oversaw her first meeting as the committee chair (she served as vice-chair last year). The new committee vice-chair is Rep. Patrick McDonald (R-Boise).
The committee also introduced several new members:
| · Don Cheatham (R-Post Falls) | · Paul Amador (R-Coeur d’Alene) |
| · Gayann DeMordaunt (R-Eagle) | · Dorothy Moon (R-Stanley) |
| · Scott Syme (R-Caldwell) | · *John McCrostie (D-Garden City) |
| · *Sally Toone (D-Gooding) | *IEA members |
Contact information for all Representatives, as well as committee assignments, can be found at https://legislature.idaho.gov/committees/housecommittees/. The IEA strongly encourages you to introduce yourselves to your legislators early in the session, and then share your thoughts and opinions with them frequently regarding important education issues.
IEA Lobby Team at the Capitol, Wigdorski Serving as Interim Executive Director
In the crowd for the House Education Committee were members of the IEA lobby team for the 2017 session. Representing the IEA and advocating on behalf of teachers, students and public education are IEA President Penni Cyr, IEA Director of Public Policy Matt Compton, and IEA General Counsel Paul Stark. Joining the lobby team this year is Sue Wigdorski, who was recently named the Interim Executive Director of the IEA.
Senate Education Committee to Meet Monday
Monday, January 16 will mark the first meeting of the session for the Senate Education Committee. The IEA and other education stakeholder groups will be making short presentations to the committee outlining their respective priorities for the session. The Senate Education Committee will once again be chaired by Sen. Dean Mortimer (R-Idaho Falls), with Sen. Steven Thayn (R-Emmett) serving as vice-chair.
Peer Reviewers Needed for ESSA Plans
The U.S. Department of Education is looking for qualified individuals to serve as peer reviewers of ESSA plans being developed by states. Peer reviewers will evaluate whether each State plan meets statutory and regulatory requirements and the degree to which each State plan will support a comprehensive and coherent set of improvements within the areas of: consultation and performance management; academic assessments; accountability, support, and improvement for schools; supporting excellent educators; and supporting all students.
For more information and an application, click here.
