If public concern regarding Idaho’s new private school voucher program is rising, Save Our Schools Idaho and the Idaho Education Association (IEA) are responding with a series of town hall meetings. These gatherings are part of the IEA’s “May Matters” campaign and will take place in the Treasure Valley area.
The town halls are planned in various locations: Meridian on April 23, Eagle on April 24, Kuna on April 25, and West Boise on May 7. Each event is scheduled to occur from 6:30 to 8 p.m. RSVPs are recommended due to limited space.
Panels at these town halls will feature members of the IEA and other public education allies. Attendees will hear from Rep. Soñia Galaviz of the Boise Education Association, Alicia Purdy of the Vallivue Education Association, Lisa Callaway of the West Ada Education Association, and Kelee Robinson of the Kuna Education Association.
Lisa Callaway shared her motivations for participating, stating, “I speak every day in front of my students, but ironically, I have a fear of public speaking in larger audiences. When I was asked to join the panel, I agreed to face my fear because it is that important for educators to have a voice.”
Speakers will include experts and advocates from organizations such as the Idaho Parent Teacher Association and the Idaho School Boards Association, along with school district trustees and current and former administrators. Callaway emphasized the importance of these meetings, saying, “The town halls are an opportunity to create a shared understanding of what challenges we face for our public schools.”
These town halls are the first of several, with more planned around the state in the coming months. To stay informed about future events, interested individuals can subscribe to IEA Reporter or follow the IEA on social media.
