OLSON: Invest in Idaho's future

As a five-year teacher of special education in Lakeland School District, a student of Idaho's public schools kindergarten through graduate school and a citizen of Idaho for my entire life, I'm sickened by the fact that Idaho has plummeted to 50th in the nation in education spending. Without bringing an actual educator to this office, a true understanding of what education is and should be, will be lost for at least another four years. Which is why Stan Olson, a lifelong educator, is exactly what Idaho's future needs.

Not every race on the ballot necessitates an individual exercise in political philosophy. The race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, in particular, calls for us to ask ourselves what we believe regarding students and educators, regardless of whether we consider ourselves conservative, liberal, independent, etc. Never have I known a race that should be less about politics and more about people. This is not the time to voice our personal political ideologies; rather, it is time for us to stand in advocation for the students and educators that comprise our system of education. And to do this, Idahoans must elect Stan Olson as State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Idaho's educators are standing in solidarity behind Stan Olson because they believe in the future of their students and system. Therefore, if you believe in Idaho's educators, vote for Olson. Or if you believe Idaho's students deserve a brighter future, vote for Olson. Basically, if you believe in better, vote for Olson.

MEGHAN RIDLEY

Rathdrum