Dear Idaho School Leaders, Educators, School Staff and Parents,

The last several months have presented extraordinary challenges for Idaho students, parents, educators, and staff. I’m sincerely thankful to our educators and schoolstaff for continuing to serve our youngest citizens.

The rapid closure of schools in the spring demonstrated the importance of Idaho’s public school system to our families, communities, and larger economy.

I expect all our school buildings to safely reopen in the fall for in-person instruction. Despite incredible advances in digital learning, you can never replace the value and impact of in-person interaction with a professional, dedicated teacher.