The first of May — a day commemorating the struggles and gains of the labor movement and workers’ rights — is upon us. Since 1892, nearly as long as Idaho has been a state, Idaho Education Association members have stood in solidarity to fight for public education and the dignity and rights of Idaho’s students and educators. 

This May Day, IEA members’ commitment to their 133-year legacy is stronger than ever, but their struggle is unquestionably more urgent. They are sending out a mayday signal to all Idahoans who value public education.

That distress call comes with a date: May 20, when at least 27 Idaho school districts will hold bond and levy elections to protect critical funding for their students, staff, and communities. At least $223 million is on the ballot. And in many cases, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The need to pass bonds and levies at the local level is unfortunate but real. The Idaho Legislature — now led by an anti-public education majority — continues to intentionally starve Idaho schools of resources they need to provide a quality, equitable and free education to every Idaho student. And they are more than willing to pass that cost on to local taxpayers in the form of bonds and levies. 

That’s not surprising, considering the 2025 session of the Idaho Legislature was perhaps the worst for public education in modern times. Vouchers, unnecessary flag bans, bad library bills intended to chill the freedom of information and ideas, stripping locally-elected school boards of authority — the tragic list of anti-public education policies embraced by lawmakers goes on and on.

Often elected by small numbers of diehard political activists in primary elections closed to many, these anti-public education lawmakers are power-hungry and out of control. They are contemptuous of public opinion and more interested in prosecuting our nation’s culture wars than educating and protecting students. They have already resolved to expand Idaho’s new voucher program at the expense of all students. They are intent on attacking the rights of educators and students while fervently trying to install their own religious beliefs in public school classrooms. 

That’s why Idaho Education Association members launched the May Matters campaign — a strategic effort to reclaim Idaho’s public schools through the ballot box. We want every Idahoan who values public education to vote in the elections that matter to public education. 

Our main focus for May Matters is the primary election of May 2026 when all 105 seats in the Idaho Legislature will be on the ballot. But May Matters isn’t just about 2026. It’s about now.

On May 20, school districts across the state will ask voters to fund the basics that keep schools functioning: salaries for teachers and staff, classroom materials, extracurricular programs, safety upgrades, school buses, and new construction where growth demands it. In Shelley, a $78.6 million bond would build a new high school and career-technical center. In Vallivue, a $14 million levy would support pay, technology and curriculum. In West Bonner, a failed $4.7 million levy could mean two elementary school closures. If voters don’t turn out, students and communities pay the price.

The attacks on public schools in Idaho are relentless — and often come from the very elected officials sworn to protect them. Next May, we’ll be asking you to help us create a pro-public school majority in the Idaho Legislature. 

But you can take action now.  On May 20, if you live in a district with a bond or levy on the ballot, you have a real, immediate opportunity to make a difference. And if you don’t, you can still help by spreading the word, supporting educators, and urging your friends and neighbors to vote.

The Mayday signal has been sent. Our public schools are calling out for help — and if voters don’t answer the call, the repercussions could reverberate for years to come. 

May 1 reminds us of our collective power. May 20 is the moment to put that power into motion.

So vote. Vote for your schools, your kids, your neighbors, and your future. Vote on May 20, because May Matters for all of us. 

Layne McInelly is president of the Idaho Education Association and a professional certified educator who taught in Idaho public schools for 12 years.