Community Conversation: Idaho Falls Town Hall

Building Trust and Credibility in Our Communities

At the recent Save Our Schools Town Hall in Idaho Falls, someone in the audience asked me a question that cuts to the heart of this debate:

“This bill allocates only 0.89% of the general fund budget. Our state has not provided funds to properly support schools ever. This bill is creating a forum to discuss the best interest of Idaho kids, but how are you addressing building trust and credibility within our communities to garner the support needed to move the mark here in our community? This room supports public education, but what are you doing to build trust and support within this community?”

This is exactly the right question. It’s not just about the money. It’s about trust.

When money is diverted off the top of the state budget to private schools, without public debate or legislative appropriation, it fuels mistrust in how decisions are made. Communities rightly ask:

• Who decides how public money is spent?

• Are those decisions transparent and accountable?

• Will every child, especially the most vulnerable, be served?