Strong Schools, Local Control

Educate, Don’t Centralize

Education works best when it is closest to the student, the family, and the community.

For too long, Washington has attempted to shape education through funding conditions, mandates, and bureaucratic oversight that do not reflect local needs. The result is a system that prioritizes compliance over outcomes and distance over accountability.

Idaho families, teachers, and communities are best positioned to make decisions about education—not federal agencies.

I am running to support strong schools by restoring local control, protecting parental rights, and reducing federal interference.

What Is Driving the Problem?

Federal Overreach into Local Education

Education is not a federal responsibility, yet Washington influences policy through funding mechanisms, mandates, and regulatory requirements that shape curriculum and administration.

One-Size-Fits-All Policy

National standards and programs often fail to account for local conditions, rural communities, and individual student needs.

Administrative Expansion

Schools are increasingly burdened by compliance requirements and reporting mandates, diverting time and resources away from teaching and learning.

Weak Accountability to Parents

As decision-making shifts upward, parents have less visibility and influence over what is being taught and how schools are run.

Why It Matters to Idaho

Idaho communities value education that reflects local priorities, respects families, and prepares students for real life—whether that means college, trades, agriculture, or service.

Rural districts face unique challenges, including distance, staffing, and resource constraints. Federal policies often fail to address these realities while still imposing requirements that increase costs and complexity.

Strong schools are built through local accountability, not centralized control.

My Approach

Education decisions should be made as close to the student as possible.

The federal government’s role should be limited and focused—not directive. Idaho should have the flexibility to design systems that meet the needs of its students, families, and communities.

Parents are not obstacles to education. They are the primary stakeholders.

Policy Priorities

Restore Local Control

I support reducing federal influence over education policy and returning decision-making authority to states, school districts, and communities.

Protect Parental Rights

Parents should have clear visibility into curriculum, materials, and policies, and a meaningful role in decisions affecting their children.

Reduce Administrative Burden

Schools should be focused on teaching, not paperwork. I will support efforts to reduce federal compliance requirements that divert resources from the classroom.

Support Diverse Pathways

Not every student follows the same path. I support education systems that value trades, technical training, agriculture, and other career pathways alongside traditional academic routes.

Ensure Accountability Through Transparency

Accountability should come from parents and communities, not distant bureaucracies. Transparency in performance and outcomes is key.

Day One Priorities

In the Senate, I will support legislation and oversight to:

• Reduce federal mandates and conditions tied to education funding
• Protect parental rights in education policy and decision-making
• Limit federal agency involvement in curriculum and local school operations
• Review and reduce administrative requirements placed on schools
• Support flexibility for states and districts to design effective education systems

Bottom Line

Strong schools are built locally—not mandated from Washington.

When parents are involved, teachers are supported, and communities are in control, students succeed.

Education should serve families—not bureaucracies.