Strong Leadership Strong Students Strong Idaho
I will lead Idaho education with honesty, transparency, and wise solutions to empower parents, strengthen local control, and prepare our students for the workforce needs of a growing state.
DEBBIE CRITCHFIELD
For Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction
DEBBIE CRITCHFIELD
Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction
The Results Are In: Delivering Success, Building the Future.
A Bright New Day in Idaho Education
Back to the Basics
Protect and Promote American Values
Prepare Students with Life Skills
"Since taking office, we've turned big ideas into real action: cut bureaucratic red tape, expanded career-technical education, protected parental rights, prioritized teaching American values and focused on education that gets back to basics. The results are incredible."
Kindergarten Reading Proficiency Has Gone Up 13%
Statistically:
#1 in the Nation for Return on Investment in Education
Only 4 States Perform Better Than Idaho in 4th Grade Reading
Only 3 States Perform Better Than Idaho in 4th Grade Math
Only 2 States Perform Better Than Idaho in 8th Grade Reading
Introduced new U.S. History and Government Standards
Introduced Curriculum for Schools Grounded in Patriotism and American Principles
Passed the Parents’ Bill of Rights to Keep Families at the Center of Education
Created New Civics Assessment Required for High School Graduation Reading Proficiency Has Gone Up 13%
Statistically:
#1 in the Nation for Return on Investment in Education
Implemented Required HS Financial & Digital Literacy Classes
High School Graduation Rates are at a 10 Year High
72% of High School Students Took a CTE Class
#1 in the Nation for High School CTE Students Taking Dual Enrollment Courses
Strengthened and Expanded Idaho Career Ready Students to Include more than 170 Career Pathways, Providing more Opportunities in Over Half of Idaho’s School Districts and Charter Schools
Meet Debbie Critchfield
Debbie Critchfield is Idaho's dedicated Superintendent of Public Instruction, serving since January 2023 and now running for re-election to continue her work preparing students, supporting teachers, and strengthening communities.
A proud member of a fourth-generation Idaho farm family, Debbie and her husband, Dave, live in Oakley in Cassia County, where they raised their four children and now enjoy time with their grandchildren. The daughter of a military family, Debbie earned her bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and fell in love with Idaho after marrying into the Critchfield family.
Debbie's passion for education began close to home. She started as a substitute teacher, then served as a GED instructor at the College of Southern Idaho and as public information officer for the Cassia County School District for nine years. Elected to the Cassia County School Board, she served for ten years—including five as chair—and held leadership roles with the Idaho School Boards Association.
Her commitment led to an appointment on the Idaho State Board of Education, where she served seven years, including two as president. She chaired key committees, co-chaired Governor Little’s Education Task Force, and led efforts during challenging times, such as reopening schools safely during the pandemic of 2020.
As Superintendent, Debbie has delivered real results: getting back to basics and returning reading instruction to phonics, making financial and digital literacy a graduation requirement, expanding career-technical education, and advocating for policies that put students first while supporting local schools.
With a lifelong dedication to Idaho's students and families, Debbie is committed to honest leadership, transparency, and preparing the next generation for success. She's ready to keep building a brighter future for Idaho education with strong leadership, working towards strong students for a strong Idaho.
