Episode 33: Trustees talk about the job, and what keeps them coming back

Kevin Richert|11/19/2021

In Idaho — and across the nation — school trustees are facing a challenging moment in time.

The pandemic and the national backlash over critical race theory and social-emotional learning have placed school boards under a microscope.

What keeps volunteer trustees on the job?

For this week’s podcast, Kevin Richert sat down for a roundtable conversation with three Idaho trustees: Jason Knopp from Melba, Marisela Pesina from Caldwell and Karen Pyron from Butte County.

Also, check out our Soundcloud page for other recent podcasts:

  • Episode 32: Mapping Idaho’s changing election landscape (Guest, Clark Corbin, Idaho Capital Sun)
  • Episode 31: Talking about this week’s school board elections (Guest, Idaho EdNews reporter Blake Jones)
  • Episode 30: Meet Idaho’s teacher of the year (Guest, Todd Knight, Crossroads Middle School, Meridian)
Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 40 years of experience in Idaho journalism, and extensive experience covering state politics and the Legislature. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television. He can be reached at krichert@idahoednews.org

Republish this story on your website »

Get EdNews in your inbox

Boise trustee candidates differ on biggest issue facing district

Frustration and questions mount as schools resolve how to cover benefit trust shortfall

ISAT Top 10s: Here are the best performers among districts, charters and online schools

IRI Top 10s: See who performed best on new reading test

Tax Commission won’t release private school tax-credit data. Here’s who’s asking, and why it’s been denied

Reporters break down Idaho School Benefit Trust in new ‘EdNews Show’ episode

Benefit trust tells members they have to cover $13 million shortfall — first payment is due in September

Idaho faces a CTE gap — affecting rural schools and rural communities

Reading proficiency decreases slightly in first year of new assessment