‘Expertise No Other Candidate Can Offer’

Cover letter

The job of state superintendent of public instruction is a critical piece of our educational system. The position contains not only an advocacy voice for voters’ educational concerns, but a seat on the state Board of Education, determining educational policy, and a seat on the Land Board, handling issues involving the use of water and lands. The position requires the ability to see the whole picture and how the parts interact.

My background as a legislator, serving on and chairing the House Education Committee for 10 years, two years on the budget-setting Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, and a 12-year relationship with all of the educational players provide an expertise no other candidate can offer.

I’ve been at the front of numerous issues that have provided direction to our educational endeavors. Creation of a technology program in public schools, which I co-sponsored, was important; but creation of a new urgency in attaining reading skills at the earliest possible grade offers an even greater reward as we prepare our children for the future.

In addition to the educational experience, I understand the function of the Land Board. Having addressed numerous land and water issues as a legislator, I understand the importance of approaching natural resource issues on a multiple-use basis for best results. These should be managed in a way to get the best return on use for funds going into the endowment fund for our schools.

I ask for your consideration of my application to be superintendent of public instruction.

This sidebar appeared with the story: RESUME OF RONALD L. BLACK (GOP) Education: Bachelor’s degree, management technology, Lewis-Clark State College, 1986. Associate degree in arts and sciences, associate degree in landscape nursery management, Ricks College, 1980.

School employment/involvement highlights: Chairman, House Education Committee, 1993 to 1997. Member of House Education Committee, 1987 to 1997. Co-chairman, legislative interim committees on Thoroughness, Higher Education Governance, Students with Disabilities. Member, Idaho Council on Technology in Learning and co-sponsor of originating legislation. Director of refugee services, College of Southern Idaho, 1993 to present. Manager of small business incubator, College of Southern Idaho, 1989 to 1993. Owner/operator, Little Red Schoolhouse day care, 1984-1987. President, Magic Valley Day Care Association, 1985-86.

Other employment/ community involvement highlights: Member, Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, the budget committee of the Idaho Legislature, 1997-1998. President, Magic Valley Youth Soccer Association, 1997-1998. Scoutmaster, 1979-1984. Manager, buyer or sales director for a series of nursery and greenhouse businesses in Michigan, Utah and Idaho, 1979-1983. District manager for Kmart (apparel) and department manager for Fred Meyer (soft goods), 1969-1979.

Personal: Age 54, married 31 years, one 23-year-old daughter and six sons ages 15, 17, 20, 25, 27 and 29. Twin Falls resident for 15 years.