Education Reform Meeting Held In Pocatello

Local state representatives gathered in Pocatello for an open forum on public education Wednesday night.

About 50 people showed up at the Pocatello Senior Center to give opinions and concerns on the current educational landscape in Idaho.

Teachers, principals, students and parents all took turns addressing five local members of the state government, primarily asking what direction the state is heading.

Attendees wanted to know about ideas that could immediately improve today’s classroom experience and whether the Legislature could permanently change things for the better.

“I’m here more to hear what the ordinary citizen wants to say about education. We want to hear what the public has to say,” said state Rep. Elaine Smith.

The Idaho Legislature is currently between sessions.

Most representatives will be working out of their homes and businesses instead of the Capitol building in preparation for the 2013 session.