Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Jan 20th, 2026

Senate Education Committee

Key Moments

  • Janie Ward-Engelking — Janie Ward-Engelking is noted as having a prior commitment and possibly arriving later, and she is then praised as a longtime teacher and a great resource for the committee.
  • Carrie Semmelroth — Carrie Semmelroth was invited to begin introductions and then introduced herself as the senator for District 17 in the Boise Bench area, noting that she has worked in education for over 20 years.
  • Tammy Nichols — Welcomed Deacon Davis and asked why he wanted to become a page.
  • Tammy Nichols — Asked Chase Van Epps to share something unique about himself.
  • James Woodward — James Woodward is introduced and then identifies himself as Senator Jim Woodward from northern Idaho, representing Bonner and Boundary counties.
  • Kevin Cook — Senator Kevin Cook introduced himself as an Idaho Falls senator serving on education, noted that he has never taught school, and said he relies on teachers, educators, superintendents, and other education professionals to help the committee work through issues. He then continued participating in the page introduction by asking the first question, jokingly inviting questions, and following up with questions about the page’s interests and Mud Lake.
  • Kevin Cook — He makes the motion to send RS 3266 C1 to be printed.
  • Cindy Carlson — Introduced herself as a senator from District 7 and described her school board and homeschooling background.
  • Cindy Carlson — Described her background on school boards and homeschooling and said this is her fourth year on the Education Committee.
  • Cindy Carlson — Asked Deacon Davis about his plans after graduation.
  • Cindy Carlson — Asked about the page's plans after graduation.
  • Van Burtenshaw — Van Burtenshaw introduced himself as being from Southeast Idaho, noted that this is his second year on the Education Committee, and added that he chairs Resources and Environment while expressing appreciation for the committee.
  • Van Burtenshaw — Van Burtenshaw is repeatedly and jokingly referenced by slightly altered names during a playful Mud Lake exchange. The speaker asks about Mud Lake, quotes him as saying there is no bar there, then asks who the favorite senator from Mud Lake is, and finally thanks him, with a compliment to the page’s talents and maturity included in the banter.
  • Christy Zito — Christy Zito introduced herself as the legislator from District 8 and described her district, noting that it is the largest geographical legislative district in the state.
  • Christy Zito — The speaker thanks the two pages and then transitions to committee business.
  • Chase Van Epps — The page is being asked to talk about Mud Lake and share something interesting about his community.
  • Chase Van Epps — He responds that the bar is closed and begins describing Mud Lake.
  • Chase Van Epps — He describes Mud Lake as a beautiful, supportive community and says it has helped him in the process.
  • Chase Van Epps — He is described as having sung in Young Women's for Excellence, singing like an opera singer, and having a mature voice and old spirit.
  • Chase Van Epps — He is complimented as talented, focused, and likely to do well at the Capitol, then thanks the committee.
  • Dave Lent — Addressed as Chairman.
  • Dave Lent — Addressed as Chair/Chairman.
  • Dave Lent — The chair notes the page's family roots in the building and invites the next page to introduce himself.
  • Tammy Nichols — Introduced herself as the senator from District 10 and said this is her fourth year on education.
  • Tammy Nichols — Continued her introduction, saying this is her fourth year on education.
  • Dave Lent — The chair is addressing the committee and beginning introductions.
  • Dave Lent — Addressed as Mr. Chairman.
  • Dave Lent — Introduced himself as the senator from Idaho Falls, District 33.