Educators decry Ybarra’s victory

Sherri Ybarra’s election as Idaho’s next superintendent of public instruction is sparking outrage among educators in eastern Idaho.

Tuesday night the Republican defeated her Democratic challenger, Jana Jones, to succeed Tom Luna as state superintendent.

But the Pocatello Education Association, which represents local teachers, is questioning whether Ybarra was the best person for the job.

During the campaign, Ybarra was accused of plagiarizing from Jones’ campaign website.

“Now the education czar in the state of Idaho has basically said that it’s OK to plagiarize. The irony there is overwhelming,” said Tom Vanderen, president of the Pocatello Education Association.

Vanderen said educators were also concerned about Ybarra’s plans once in office.

He accused her of embracing some of Luna’s controversial policies.

“In the last eight years we’ve raced to the bottom, and it just feels like four more,” said Vanderen.