State superintendent Debbie Critchfield and challenger Becky Sundin Mitchell will participate in a moderated debate ahead of the November election.
Idaho EdNews and the College of Idaho will host the Tuesday, Sept. 22, event in the Langroise Center on the Caldwell campus. The debate is free to attend (no tickets necessary) and will be livestreamed on EdNews’ Facebook page. The taped recording will be available on EdNews’ website through the election season.
EdNews’ senior reporter Kevin Richert will moderate the debate, which will start at 7 p.m. On the panel will be Ryan Suppe of Idaho EdNews, Melissa Davlin of Idaho Public Television and College of Idaho educator Matt McDaniel.
The state superintendent oversees Idaho public education, which includes a $3.2 billion budget, 127 Idaho Department of Education employees and 310,000 students. The superintendent also serves on the State Board of Education.
The superintendent is one of seven statewide offices up for election on Nov. 3, along with 105 legislative seats.
Both candidates will be available after the debate to meet attendees and answer questions about public education in Idaho.
Critchfield, a Republican, is seeking a second term. She was elected into office in 2022, succeeding former superintendent Sherri Ybarra. She defeated Ybarra and challenger Branden Durst in a three-way primary, then defeated Democrat Terry Gilbert in the November general election.
Sundin Mitchell, a Democrat, is a political newcomer. She was Idaho’s Teacher of the Year in 2018 and has largely taught in charter schools.
