Superintendent candidates debate education budget

The candidates for Idaho state superintendent of education were in Idaho Falls on Thursday to debate.

Jana Jones is the Democrat candidate and Sherri Ybarra is the Republican. After debating many of the educational issues affecting Idaho, one moment sort of floated to the top. Dealing with current Superintendent Tom Luna’s proposed budget got a little heated.

“And so what I’m going to do with that budget is study and be very thorough before I decide any moves I’m going to make. I don’t know any state superintendent of public instruction who would not do that. It just doesn’t make any sense to sit back from the sidelines and say, ‘I’m just going to ask for more. I’m just going to take on somebody else’s budget.’ I know I can amend that budget at any time,” said Ybarra.

“But I can tell you that I have worked on the state budget. I worked on the public schools budget when I was in the office with Dr. Marilyn Howard and I know what it takes to move it forward. I have looked at Tom Luna’s budget and there are too many things in there that need to change. It’s got a lot of strings attached, which I’m hearing from our districts, they want to ability to make the decisions for themselves,” said Jones.

“You can’t amend it at anytime?” said Ybarra.

“No,” said Jones.

“You can’t amend the budget? You don’t have an opportunity to make an amendment?” asked Ybarra.

“Not as a state superintendent,” replied Jones.

“And if I’m not a federal programs director and a curriculum director, I’d like to know what you think my job description is. If we are simply just program directors, what is my job description? Have you ever been a federal programs director?” asked Ybarra.

“Yes, I have,” replied Jones.

“And a curriculum director?” asked Jones.

“No,” said Jones.

“You know my job description?” said Ybarra.

“Excuse me, Ms. Ybarra. I’m going to interrupt here for a second,” said moderator Dave Adler.

Thursday’s debate was hosted by the Idaho Falls City Club.

Election Day is Nov. 4.

Watch the entire debate here:

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