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 Rep. Lori McCann, a Republican incumbent running for District 6 House Seat A, representing Latah and Lewis counties and a portion of Nez Perce County.
Her answers have been lightly edited for spelling, grammar, brevity and clarity.
Rep. Lori McCann
What is your relationship to Idaho public education?
Both of my parents retired as public-school teachers. My father was a history and government teacher at Lewiston High School, and my mother was a middle school teacher in Clarkston, Wash. In addition, I taught in and was the program coordinator of the paralegal and legal assistant programs at Lewis Clark State College. I am an avid supporter of all public education.
Idaho does not fully fund its public education system. How would you propose to change that?
I will continue to advocate for Idaho’s public education system and for an overhaul of its current funding mechanism. The current funding system based on average daily attendance is outdated and does not meet the needs of our districts. I have pushed for funding based on enrollment and will continue to do so, with the caveat that our rural districts must not be hurt. As a current legislator, I am proud of the additional funding that we were able to secure for literacy, and I would like to see similar funding for mathematics. In addition, the legislature MUST continue to look at the aging facilities. The legislation passed last year is a start, but it is nowhere near enough to bring these old and crumbling facilities up to date. I will continue to push and advocate for better salaries for our teachers and our staff.
What is your position on vouchers to fund private school education?
I have voted against diverting public funds to private school education since my appointment to the Idaho Legislature. It makes no difference if the bill is for a voucher program, a tax credit, or a full-blown ESA (education savings account), it still diverts funds that can be used for public education, and with absolutely no accountability. When we are spending taxpayers’ dollars, we MUST account for them. If we are to divert $70 million to private schools, the Idaho taxpayer deserves to know where those dollars are going. I have continually argued that once we open this door, we will NEVER be able to go back. I represent rural Idaho at its best! Most of the school districts in District 6 would be considered rural and have very limited or no other options for students. The Idaho Constitution is clear that the Legislature must provide a free and equal system of public education.
Idaho students are facing increasing mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. What steps, if any, would you propose to counter that?
We must give our teachers and our school districts the necessary tools to help identify potential problems, and the funding to have adequate help in the classroom to attempt to help deal with them. School districts need additional funding to hire counselors to work with students and parents alike.
What is your position on fast-track, alternate routes to educator certification?
I have generally been in support of programs that help current paraprofessionals or those with bachelor/masters degrees in other areas bring their experiences to the teaching field. However, we must ensure that these programs are sound, and that we are not diluting the requirements to reach certification.
Idaho educators are frequently disrespected and targeted by anti-public education forces. What is your reaction to that?
I have been appalled at the mistreatment of teachers over the last five years or so. Teachers were once revered and respected as they should be! The anti-public education rhetoric coming from across the country is damaging the fabric or our country and our state. Are all Idaho public schools perfect, are all classrooms great? …. We know the answer to that is no. However, I believe we need to take what is great and continue to build on that, and fix whatever might be broken, but we certainly do not need to defund public education as some radical folks believe. I am proud of the teachers and schools in District 6 and across our state, and will continue to advocate for them.
What are the main points you want IEA members to remember about you and your candidacy?
I am a Republican who strongly believes in public education. Education, at all levels, should not be a partisan issue. We all should care about moving our educational system forward and into the future.
READ OUR RELATED STORY ON ALL OF IEA’S 2024 GENERAL ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS