Balukoff: Education No. 1 Issue

In the second in a series of profiles on the major gubernatorial/superintendent of schools candidates, Clark Corbin/IdahoED NEWS spotlights Democrat A.J. Balukoff: “As a longtime school board member and businessman, A.J. Balukoff decided to run for governor because he was not happy with how education is being handled in Idaho. “I’ve been on the Boise school board for 17 years, and what’s become apparent to me is our state leaders don’t listen to educators,” Balukoff said. “I’ve watched for too many years as our great state has dropped to the bottom nationally in education and job opportunities.” Balukoff was an opponent of Propositions 1, 2 and 3, championed by Gov. Butch Otter and outgoing schools superintendent Tom Luna before the 2012 voter repeal. He thinks investing in K-12 is the best way to bolster Idaho’s economy, by training students to be better prepared for college and the jobs Idaho companies are trying to fill. More here. (IdahoED NEWS photo, of A.J. Balukoff talking to educators in Idaho Falls Oct. 9)

Question: Do you agree/disagree with Democrat A.J. Balukoff that education is the No. 1 issue in Idaho gubernatorial race?