Ms. Pac-Man (RE: Idaho: The Next-to-Last State): I find myself as a conservative caught in the middle of being told I should home school (when this isn't a realistic option for my family) and wanting better results from our public education system that isn't all about throwing more money at it blindly. I still often wonder what if the federal lands issue in this state was looked at seriously in regards to not only economic growth, but through the lens of funding education. In 2013 Idaho received under $26 million in PILT grants. That is not a lot of money. Oh and yes, I still don't like Common Core. I am still hoping that this is something that Governor Otter is willing to meet us half way on:).

DFO: Frankly, Ms. Pac-Man, my children received a swell local education that spurred one of them to an MD/PhD degree and the other to a master's degree in family counseling. Mrs. O & I were deeply involved in our children's education and school. I know of some individuals who do a superb job home-schooling their children. However, I think some home-schoolers are missing the boat -- and shouldering a load that they can't carry -- by ignoring the free offerings of a public school education. Thoughts?