Little announces transition team

Two prominent former educators are on Gov.-elect Brad Little’s transition team, announced Tuesday.

Pete Koehler, state superintendent Sherri Ybarra’s longtime chief deputy, and retired Twin Falls district Superintendent Wiley Dobbs will sit on the 16-member committee.

Headed by Brian Wonderlich — a partner with the Boise law firm Holland and Hart — the committee will be in charge of vetting applicants to head state agencies.

“My committee and I are dedicated to finding the right candidates to fill each agency position,” Little said in a news release. “Those hired will aid in our commitment to create the best possible atmosphere to keep Idaho’s kids here and allow those who have left to return.”

Koehler had been a part of Ybarra’s inner circle for almost her entire first term, before he retired in June. Before joining the State Department of Education, Koehler had been superintendent in the Nampa School District.

Dobbs spent 34 years in Idaho education, including 14 years as superintendent in Twin Falls. He retired in 2017.

Other big names on the committee: former Secretary of State Ben Ysursa and Little campaign treasurer Vicki Risch, the wife of U.S. Sen. Jim Risch.

 

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

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