Serving all students: The challenge for public education

For more than 42 years, I have had the privilege of serving children, families, and communities in both public and Catholic schools as a teacher and administrator. I have seen firsthand how teachers shape young people and prepare them for life’s opportunities and challenges.

My own family has lived this journey. Our children and grandchildren attended both public and Catholic schools, enriching their lives and ours. Lifelong friendships were built through academics, arts, and athletics. Along the way, I worked with countless educators in both systems who cared deeply about their students.

At their best, public and private schools share a mission: nurturing the potential of every child and instilling values of hard work, respect, service, and belonging. But Idaho’s public schools now face