(Updated, 3:35 p.m., with comments from Gov. Brad Little and State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield)
The state Board of Education's longtime executive director has resigned, setting the stage for what could become a political hiring process.
Matt Freeman will step down effective June 30 after nine years at the helm. He submitted his resignation to Gov. Brad Little Monday and said he had already notified the board of his plans. But his resignation was not announced until Friday, after a previously scheduled two-day board meeting in Moscow.
“The requirement for this leadership position is 24/7,” Freeman said in a press release. “Simply put, my family and I are ready for change.”
Freeman served for 14 years on the state board, an agency with broad and growing policy-making authority over K-12 and higher education. A graduate of the University of Idaho School of Law, he worked as a budget analyst in the state's Legislative Services Office before joining the state committee. He has served as Executive Director of the State Council since June 2015.
At that time, state board offices took on a much larger role in education policy. In 2020, the Legislature gave the board jurisdiction over the state's school IT and data management functions, despite opposition from then-state Superintendent Sherri Ybarra, who challenged the move in the state Supreme Court. In a less controversial move, the state's school safety and security program was moved under the state board in 2021.
The state board office has 74 full-time positions. The office also provides staff support to the State Council, a policy-making body comprised of seven gubernatorial appointees and an elected state superintendent of schools.
Spelling Check out this infographic about how traditional public schools work and the role of state boards.
In a statement Friday afternoon, Little said Freeman has played a key role in several initiatives, from the Idaho Launch higher education grant program passed in 2023 to this year's School Facilities Act, which will provide $1.5 billion in new spending for construction projects and repairs. He said he did.
“We must work together to get across the finish line, make historic investments in school facilities, significantly increase teacher salaries, better prepare students through expanded literacy opportunities, and innovate in K-12 and higher education. I was able to get ahead. “He said.
State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield said Freeman's integrity, honesty and work ethic “will never be fully appreciated” by those who did not work with him. “I hope he will look back and be satisfied with the service he has provided to the board and the state,” she told EdNews on Friday.
Board Chair Linda Clark praised Freeman's “tremendous energy and service” to the state and public education system.
“He has been a tireless leader during his tenure as executive director,” Clark said in a board press release. “To be honest, Matt will be very difficult to replace. As a board, we wish him all the best.”
The replacement process takes on a new tone.
Few will be able to nominate Freeman's successor, but the hire must be approved by the Senate. That confirmation language was part of a follow-up bill, the “trailer” bill, that amended complex school facilities laws. The trailer bill passed Congress unanimously. I barely signed anything last week.
Little said in a statement that his office was “working diligently” to find a candidate, but did not discuss how Senate confirmation requirements would affect the search.
On Friday, Critchfield said he didn't know what to expect. “I’m as curious as anyone else about what that will look like.”
In a brief resignation letter to Little, Freeman did not comment on the new appointment process but instead praised the staff for its emphasis on “student-centered” policies.
“I want you to know that we have some truly outstanding staff in the State Board of Education office,” he wrote. “The office is financially strong and enjoys a very healthy work culture.”