SCHOOLS: Integrity in our public system

Mr. Jim Jones’ opinion talks about “preserving the integrity” of our Idaho public school system and advocates against school choice.

Integrity involves consistently adhering to ethical standards, being truthful, fairness, and accountability. It is a virtue that underpins strong character and trustworthy relationships. Let’s talk about how the existing “status quo” principles in Idaho public schools have served us.

Idaho’s Accountability Oversight Committee is responsible for providing recommendations to the State Board of Education regarding Idaho’s accountability and assessment system, including any changes or improvements that are needed. And yet year after year we see no changes or improvements. Integrity is lost.

ISAT (2025) results show just over half of Idaho students are proficient in English Language Arts, while about 42% met the mark in math and 41% in science. Four-year high school graduation rates were lowest in the nation at 82.3% in 2024. Idaho ranks 39th in teacher salaries and near the bottom for educational attainment and quality in other studies. Over 60% of Idaho public school districts currently permit classroom instruction on radical gender ideology by refusing to adopt policies that comply with House Bill 352.

The Idaho Public School System has a “status quo” attitude resisting to change principles for the betterment of its students. Reallocating monies to school choice opens competition and growth and provides families with more control over their child’s education. The existing public school system needs to rise to this challenge in order to preserve integrity that has been lost. What parent doesn’t want the best education for their child, Mr. Jones?

JOANN LOKKEN

Coeur d’Alene