Meyer Leaving State Ed Board Kempthorne Asked To Fill Spot With Another North Idahoan

The Panhandle’s representative on the state Board of Education says she will not seek another five-year term.

Judy Meyer’s appointment to the board expired March 1, and Gov. Dirk Kempthorne has not announced who will fill the vacancy.

The seat held by Carole McWilliam, who represents Pocatello, also is up for reappointment.

“It’s not good for education because I don’t want it to lose momentum,” Meyer said of the vacancies on the eight-member board. “It’s a great board to work with and I’m real proud of all the good things we did.”

Meyer said she will remain on the board, if asked, until the governor finds a replacement. But she said the 60-hour per month time commitment and frequent traveling are more than she can afford for another five years.

“Be prepared to commit the head and the heart time it takes and it’ll be a wonderful experience,” Meyer advised future board members.

Besides overseeing Idaho schools, the board also governs the state’s public television system, vocational system and historical society.

Meyer said she is especially proud of her involvement in creating graduation standards for high school students and the board’s role in improving technology in schools.

There is no geographic requirement when appointing board members, but Meyer said she hopes the governor considers replacing her with another North Idaho appointee.

Kempthorne has been working to change the face of the state’s governing boards.

He recently appointed new members to the Board of Corrections and has said he will appoint four new members next month to the state Fish and Game Commission.

As for Meyer, she said she will stay involved in improving education even though she’s no longer on the board.

“To me, education is obviously lifelong,” she said.