Mr. Kohler — The committee invites Mr. Kohler to introduce himself as part of the gubernatorial appointments process.
Mr. Kohler — Mr. Kohler outlined his overall philosophy for K-12 education: children should be reading at grade level by third grade, math should be taught in practical and developmentally appropriate ways, and teaching should blend art and science. He emphasized that mastery means real understanding, not just good grades, and argued that high school should offer more than a traditional college-prep track by expanding career and technical education, technical reading and writing, and practical math topics like credit cards, mortgages, and taxes. He also criticized rigid lockstep schooling, advocated for more realistic expectations for young children such as recess and later kindergarten for some boys, and said schools should produce students who can think, solve problems, and show resilience rather than simply earn high GPAs.
Pete Kohler — Pete Kohler introduces himself and provides a continuous background overview: he was born and raised in Parma, Idaho; attended the University of Idaho on an ROTC scholarship and served 21 years in the military as an armor officer; married Terry after his service; then entered education, teaching at Central Elementary in Nampa before becoming principal there and later principal of Nampa High School. He goes on to describe broader administrative roles, including area director, superintendent, chief of staff to the State Department of Education, service on state committees, interim director for the Department of Veteran Affairs, work with the Charter School Commission, and service on the State Board of Education. He closes by offering to continue and emphasizes that education is essential for opportunity, especially K-3 reading mastery.
Janie Ward-Engelking — The chair calls on Senator Janie Ward-Engelking, with the transcript briefly garbling her name, and the call-on continues until the discussion shifts to Senator Semmelroth.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Janie Ward-Engelking expressed strong support for the nominee, saying she has worked with the nominee in many different roles and jobs and has seen their qualifications firsthand.
Carrie Semmelroth — Senator Carrie Semmelroth is identified as the questioner and then continues her remarks to Mr. Kohler, first thanking him for appearing and then asking about his background and views, including his fishing and retirement habits and, more substantively, his vision for education in Idaho and what he would bring to the State Board.
Carrie Semmelroth — Referenced as having asked a question earlier that Carlson found enlightening.
Carrie Semmelroth — The second was attributed to Senator Semaroff, likely referring to Senator Semmelroth.
Kevin Cook — Senator Cook opened by complimenting Mr. Kohler’s passion and sharing his own experience visiting Parma and supporting a soil-testing building there. He then asked Kohler to describe one of the biggest challenges he inherited as superintendent and explain how he worked through and resolved it.
Kevin Cook — Kevin Cook briefly commented on the nominee and then introduced RS 32954C1, framing it as an education-focused resolution addressing the need to establish guidelines for AI in education. He explained the importance of getting ahead of AI’s impact, moved to send the resolution to print, and the committee subsequently carried the motion.
Allison Westfall — Named as one of the people helping reassure the public that the district had the situation under control.
Cindy Carlson — Cindy Carlson expressed support for the nominee, saying she would feel comfortable confirming him and praising his energy, background, and vision. She then moved to approve the nominee, but the chair clarified that the vote would take place at the next meeting.
Cindy Carlson — Senator Cindy Carlson was recognized to speak and then praised Ms. White’s JFAC presentation, saying she was impressed and looked forward to working with her.
Jennifer White — Jennifer White, Executive Director of the State Board of Education, was introduced in the hearing, briefly acknowledged accompanying family members, and then was presented again in connection with a gubernatorial appointment before beginning her remarks.
Dave Lent — Dave Lent is addressed twice as Chairman Lent in brief acknowledgments during the meeting, including during White's introduction.
Jean-Anne Autumn Banker — White twice references her 98-year-old grandmother, Jean-Anne Autumn Banker, describing her as a kindergarten teacher for over 40 years and highlighting her support for phonics as part of the testimony's broader point about early literacy.
Mary Curtis — White refers to her mother, Mary Curtis, as an important presence and leadership example, then explains that her mother broadened the family’s perspective by taking their Sunday school on a tour of religions, which helped shape White’s enthusiasm and outlook.
Lance Curtis — White's stepfather, a small business owner, was introduced as a support and influence on respectful disagreement.
Compton — White's child was mentioned as being present and supportive of recess.
Caroline — White's child was mentioned as being present and supportive of recess.
James Woodward — James Woodward is briefly referenced, then Senator Woodward is recognized and asks a lighthearted question about a Sunday school trip, jokingly asking whether everyone returned safely with the same number of children they left with.
Van Burtenshaw — The motion was attributed to Senator Burtenshaw as the mover.