Mary Havercroft running for North Idaho College board

COEUR d’ALENE — Mary Havercroft is running for the Zone 5 seat on North Idaho College’s board of trustees. 

A University of Idaho graduate, Havercroft spent 12 years as a classroom teacher, including seven years in the Lakeland Joint School District. She later moved into administration, serving as the special services director for 20 years and then as the principal of Twin Lakes Elementary School. 

With NIC still operating under a show cause sanction from its accreditor, Havercroft said she wants to use her experience and commitment to education to serve NIC at this “critical juncture.” 

“Our community is at a crossroads,” she said in a news release. “North Idaho College is more than just a school — it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity for thousands of families, workers and students across our region. As your next NIC Trustee, my top priority will be restoring full accreditation and preserving the integrity of this critical institution. I plan on being a support to the current personnel and administration in meeting the educational needs of students. The people of North Idaho deserve leadership that is accountable, transparent and focused on real results for our community.” 

Havercroft, who has lived and worked in Rathdrum for more than 40 years, said she believes in local control and “will work tirelessly to protect NIC from those who would jeopardize its future.” 

She said she’s running to bring “common sense, accountability and a fierce determination to our community’s values back to the NIC board.” 

“Our community is rightfully concerned about the direction of NIC,” she said. “The time for action is now. I’m willing to lead and I’m ready to fight for NIC. Let’s protect our community college and secure its future for the next generation.” 

Havercroft is running for the Zone 5 seat currently occupied by Mike Waggoner. Kootenai County Commissioner Leslie Duncan is also running for the seat.