Most at Lewiston town hall oppose Idaho school voucher program

At the Save Our Schools Idaho town hall in Lewiston, approximately 80% of attendees opposed the state's new $50 million school voucher program. Rep. Lori McCann, the only local lawmaker who voted against the bill, received a standing ovation from the crowd, which included educators and concerned parents. Lindsey Smith, a Sacajawea Middle School teacher, highlighted the potential for public schools to suffer as funding shifts to private institutions, warning that "chronically underfunded" schools could decline. The panel, which also featured Lewiston School District Superintendent Tim Sperber, emphasized the necessity of public education and the importance of civic engagement.

Attendees expressed frustration over legislators' decisions, particularly Governor Brad Little, who signed the bill despite 32,000 out of 37,000 callers urging him to veto it. The town hall aims to mobilize community members to vote for pro-public education candidates in future elections. The event underscores a growing movement against privatization of education in Idaho, reflecting deep concerns about the state's commitment to public schooling. As the voucher program could expand to over $300 million annually, the implications for public education funding remain critical.