Melba school leader joins state superintendent race

Melba Superintendent Andy Grover announced Tuesday he will run for state superintendent of public instruction.

"It's all happened in the last week and it's crazy," said Grover, who was waiting for Gooding School District Superintendent Heather Williams to make her decision. She said on Thursday she will not run.

Grover has worked for the Melba School District for seven years, the last four as superintendent. Under his leadership, Melba's elementary and secondary schools each received four stars in Idaho's five-star rating system.

"It's time for a state superintendent to have been a district superintendent," Grover said.

Grover will run in the May GOP primary where he will face at least three other candidates - Sherri Ybarra of Mountain Home, John Eynon of Cottonwood and Randy Jensen from American Falls. Jana Jones of Idaho Falls is the only Democrat in the race.

Grover grew up in the Ririe School District. He earned his first degree from Boise State University, a master's from the University of Phoenix and an education specialist certificate from the University of Idaho. He is currently working on his doctorate from Northwest Nazarene University. He was in the Marine Corps reserves and is a veteran of the first Gulf War.

"My biggest reason for running is my desire to see students learn," Grover said. "We need to continue to make opportunities for kids."

Grover's wife, Candice, is a teacher in the Melba School District. They have three daughters.