Day 31: Steps for Schools

Correction: Steps for Schools is a campaign by the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, not Blue Cross of Idaho. 

State superintendent Debbie Critchfield met Thursday morning with Andy Grover, executive director of the Idaho Association of School Administrators, a statewide organization that represents superintendents, principals, special education directors and other school leaders. She also went to a meeting for the Instruction, Research and Student Affairs Committee of the State Board of Education.

She then made a radio appearance with South Idaho-based host Zeb Bell.

Thursday afternoon, Critchfield held a meeting to plan her student advisory committee, a team of select high schoolers who learn about the governments and advise the superintendent.

She later met with the Office of the State Board of Education’s executive team, and will close out her day at the Ada County Republican Central Committee meeting Thursday night.

Steps for Schools

On Wednesday, the superintendent announced on social media that she’s participating in Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health’s “Steps for Schools” initiative. It’s an annual challenge for Idaho’s elected officials to get moving in support of public schools. In 2022, the campaign raised $53,500 for schools chosen by lawmakers.

The goals of the initiative, as stated on the foundation’s website, are to:

  • Remind lawmakers to think about children’s health issues.
  • Highlight lawmakers as positive role models for children.
  • Create awareness about health issues in Idaho.
  • Promote child wellness throughout Idaho.

Critchfield took to social media to encourage others to join the challenge.

“On March 1, send your February step total to  and we’ll see which teacher or admin walked the most steps. I’ll come to that school and we’ll celebrate with a walk! Join me!” the superintendent wrote.

Critchfield, sporting tennis shoes in support of the Steps for Schools campaign / via the State Department of Education
Sadie Dittenber

Sadie Dittenber

Reporter Sadie Dittenber focuses on K-12 policy and politics. She is a College of Idaho graduate, born and raised in the Treasure Valley. You can follow Sadie on Twitter @sadiedittenber and send her news tips at [email protected].

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