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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><img width="624" height="147" style="width:6.5in;height:1.5312in" id="_x0000_i1025" src="cid:image001.png@01D6448F.9422A980"></span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">June 17, 2020<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><u><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans"">New committees to address fall school reopening and the digital divide<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today the formation of two new committees to create a plan for reopening public schools this fall and a plan to address the “digital divide,” a term
that describes the inequity between students’ access to remote learning across Idaho.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">The committees will support the Governor’s Office and the State Board of Education, which have been working with school districts for weeks on reopening options and making access to remote learning
more consistent within and between school districts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">“Despite these extraordinary circumstances, it is my intent to have schools safely reopen across Idaho in the fall, although it may look different than it has in the past,” Governor Little said. “Both
of the committees, led by State Board of Education members, can support and remove barriers to the fall reopening, provide clear expectations, and identify the tools to meet those expectations.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">The <b>Public Schools Reopening Committee</b> is chaired by Idaho State Board of Education President Debbie Critchfield and includes participation from legislators, the State Department of Education,
school district and charter school administrators, operations staff, business and industry representatives and state health officials.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">“Our goal is to successfully reopen schools in the fall and provide clear expectations for student learning and guidance to school districts as they make their decisions locally,” Critchfield said.
“Districts are discussing approaches to reopening and how to navigate the learning environment. Many decisions are contingent upon developing and changing conditions.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">The committee will make guidance and resources available to school districts and charter schools in the coming weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">State Board of Education member Kurt Liebich leads the
<b>Digital Divide Committee</b>, which includes school technology directors, administrators, business leaders, and legislators.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">“When the pandemic forced the soft closure of schools and a transition to distance learning options, it became painfully clear just how wide the digital divide is,” Liebich said. “We will discuss access
to devices for students and ways to improve connectivity throughout the state. Additionally, we will support school districts and charter schools as they develop strategies to implement a blended learning model. Robust learning management systems and professional
development are also part of our overall vision for each and every public school in our state.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Both committees are extensions of the Governor’s K-12 Emergency Council, formed in March to respond to the pandemic and advise the Governor on K-12 issues during these unprecedented times.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">More information about the two committees, including meeting dates and membership, is posted on the State Board of Education website at
</span><a href="https://boardofed.idaho.gov/covid-19/k-12-emergency-council-subcommittees/"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">https://boardofed.idaho.gov/covid-19/k-12-emergency-council-subcommittees/</span></a><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Members of the Public Schools Reopening Committee include:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Debbie Critchfield</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Chair, State Board of Education<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Linda Clark</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, State Board of Education<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Sherri Ybarra</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, State Superintendent<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Senator Carl Crabtree
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Representative Judy Boyle
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Representative John McCrostie<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Greg Wilson</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Governor’s Office<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Brian Armes</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Office of School Safety and Security<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Spencer Barzee</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Westside School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Ryan Bowman</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Twin Falls School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Steve Cook</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Coeur d’Alene School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Bob Donaldson</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Lewiston School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Julie Douty</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Vallivue School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Jonathan Gillen</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, West Ada School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Ty Jones</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Idaho High School Sports Association<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Karen Pyron</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Butte School District Trustee<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Donell McNeal</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, West Ada School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Stephanie Myers</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Boise School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Angela Rodriguez</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Cassia School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Anne Ritter</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Meridian Medical Arts Charter School Board<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Rob Sauer</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Homedale School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Lisa Sherrick</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, State Department of Education<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Gina Pannell</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Central District Health<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Members of the Digital Divide Committee include:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Kurt Liebich</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Chair, State Board of Education<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Greg Wilson</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Vice Chair, Governor’s Office<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Senator Jim Woodward
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Laurie Anderson</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Micron Foundation<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Toni Broyles</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, University of Idaho<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Chris Campbell</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, State Department of Education<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Marc Carignan</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Bluum<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Theresa Carter</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Idaho Digital Learning Academy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Matt Compton</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Idaho Education Association<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Spencer Cook</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Sugar Salem School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Steve Cook</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Coeur d’Alene School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Seth Deniston</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Coeur d’Alene School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Keven Denton</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, West Ada School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Karen Echeverria</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Idaho School Boards Association<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Eric Forsch</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Department of Commerce<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Marc Gee</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Preston School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Will Goodman</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Idaho Digital Learning Academy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Rod Gramer</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Idaho Business for Education<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Andy Grover</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Idaho Association of School Administrators<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Cassidy Hall</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Northwest Nazarene University, Doceo Center<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Peter Jurhs</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Nampa School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Paula Kellerer</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Nampa School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Russell Miles</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Orofino School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Simon Miller</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Kellogg School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Andrew Moore</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Glenns Ferry School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Kelley Packer</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Association of Idaho Cities<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">David Roberts</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Boise School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Terry Ryan</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Bluum<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Robert Sanchez</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Idaho Business for Education<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Steve Schellenburg</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Snake River School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">Michelle VanBeek</span></b><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">, Nampa School District<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""># # #<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans""><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">208-943-1686 or </span>
<a href="mailto:marissa.morrison@gov.idaho.gov"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">marissa.morrison@gov.idaho.gov</span></a><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:"Open Sans"">--<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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