September 25, 2002

Candidates for the office of Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction face off in a public debate from 7-8 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Boise State University Student Union Jordan Ballroom. The debate, sponsored by the Student Programs Board, the College of Education, Associated Students of Boise State University, and the Center for School Improvement and Policy Studies, will feature three candidates vying for the office.

Marilyn Howard, current state superintendent, is a former Idaho teacher and principal. She has served as state coordinator and state president of the International Reading Association, as well as a member of the association’s National Research and Studies Committee. Howard has also served on and led accreditation teams evaluating teacher education programs in Idaho. She holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in education from the University of Idaho and a doctoral degree in curriculum and instructional science from Brigham Young University.

Robbi Kier is a certified public accountant, with a bachelor’s degree in business from Boise State. She has several years of budgeting and planning experience in business environments. Kier supports tax credits and vouchers, parent and teacher control of local schools, cutting public school bureaucracy, home schooling and private schooling.

Tom Luna is a longtime Nampa business owner. He is a seven-year member of the Nampa School Board, has served on the Idaho Achievement Standards Commission, and currently serves on the Idaho Assessment and Accountability Commission. Luna has held the office of president of the International Society of Weights and Measures, is a member of the Nampa Exchange Club and is an active volunteer in his church and for Thomas Edison State College.

The debate is free and open to the public. Questions from the public will be accepted and appreciated. For further information, please call 426-4977.

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Philip Kelly
Boise State University
(208) 426-4977

Kathleen Craven
communications and marketing
(208) 426-3275