Day 49: Parental rights bill

Carly Flandro | 02/22/2023

Idaho parents are one step closer to having more guaranteed rights when it comes to their children’s education.

Wednesday, state superintendent Debbie Critchfield testified on behalf of House Bill 163, which would ensure parents know what is happening at their children’s school.

State superintendent Debbie Critchfield answers a lawmaker’s question during Wednesday morning’s House Education Committee meeting. (Kevin Richert/Idaho EdNews)

“This bill is about working with and communicating with parents,” Critchfield said. “This bill seeks to take the politics out of being a parent.”

The House Education Committee unanimously sent the bill to the House floor.

Critchfield also weighed in on false threats made to multiple schools across the state.

“I am aware that several schools were impacted today by threats of violence, and that the threats do not appear to be valid. State Department of Education staff have been in touch with districts and will continue to stay apprised of the situation. I’m thankful for the quick action from school administrators and law enforcement to ensure the safety of students in the affected schools,” she said.

And that was just a start to her day. Critchfield also met with lawmakers, recorded multiple TV interviews, and attended a Boise State University legislative reception. On top of that, she met with Department of Health and Welfare staffers to discuss student suicide prevention.

But, she did have some fun scheduled for the end of her day — a Boise State men’s basketball game vs. New Mexico.

Idaho Education News reporter Kevin Richert contributed to this post.

Carly Flandro

Carly Flandro reports from her hometown of Pocatello. Prior to joining EdNews, she taught English at Century High and was a reporter for the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. She has won state and regional journalism awards, and her work has appeared in newspapers throughout the West. Flandro has a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and Spanish from the University of Montana, and a master’s degree in English from Idaho State University. You can email her at [email protected] or call or text her at (208) 317-4287.