Becoming Idaho’s next top education official not only means winning the most votes but also meeting a handful of requirements.
The superintendent serves a four-year term, must be at least 25, a U.S. citizen and hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Before two-term incumbent Tom Luna took office, most superintendents had some education experience. However, Luna broke that trend when he was elected to the post in 2006 as the state’s first non-educator.
The superintendent also sits on the Idaho Land Board with the governor, secretary of state, attorney general and state controller. The board oversees management of state trust lands, which help fund K-12 public schools.
The Gem state is one of 13 states where the superintendent of public instruction is an elected office.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.