Mr. Kohler — The committee invites Mr. Kohler to come forward and introduce himself for the gubernatorial appointment.
Pete Kohler — Pete Kohler introduces himself and outlines his background: born and raised in Parma, Idaho; educated at the University of Idaho on an ROTC scholarship; and served 21 years in the military before marrying Terry and retiring. He then describes his long career in education, including teaching at Central Elementary in Nampa, serving as principal of Central Elementary and Nampa High School, working as an area director and superintendent, and later taking roles such as chief of staff for the State Department of Education, service on state committees, interim director of the Department of Veteran Affairs, membership on the Charter School Commission, and appointment to the State Board of Education. He closes the introductory portion by joking about his continued work affecting his fishing. In the substantive portion of his testimony, Kohler explains his vision for education in Idaho: he emphasizes opportunity for all children, especially disadvantaged students; strongly prioritizes K-3 reading mastery; argues that students should leave third grade ready for more complex subjects; supports practical, career-oriented education and CTE for students who are not college-bound; and advocates for reading and writing technical materials, as well as practical math instruction such as financial literacy, mortgages, interest rates, and taxes. He also argues that K-12 should be more flexible and less one-size-fits-all, says he is still learning about post-secondary issues but remains deeply focused on K-12, supports later kindergarten entry for some boys and more recess for young children, notes differences in learning pace between boys and girls, and stresses that schools should produce students who can think critically, solve problems, and show resilience rather than focusing only on GPA.
Janie Ward-Engelking — The transcript appears to reference Senator Ward-Engelking as the next questioner.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Offered supportive remarks, praising White's professionalism and expressing support for her nomination.
Carrie Semmelroth — The transcript identifies Senator Semmelroth as the member asking about Kohler's fishing and retirement.
Carrie Semmelroth — Referenced as having asked a question earlier that Carlson found enlightening.
Carrie Semmelroth — Identified as seconding the motion to send the RS to print.
Kevin Cook — Senator Cook opens with a brief compliment and contextual remark, then asks the witness to identify one of the biggest challenges he inherited as superintendent and explain how he addressed and solved it.
Kevin Cook — Kevin Cook first briefly praised White’s performance before JFAC and expressed support for her confirmation, then moved into presenting RS 32954C1. He explained that education should prepare students to become well-rounded adults and that AI is another major technological shift, like calculators, computers, and the internet, that policymakers should address proactively. He argued the resolution would establish guidelines and guardrails to help students learn about AI responsibly.
Mr. Keller / Mr. Kohler (questionable transcription) — The transcript appears to mishear the witness's name; the speaker is likely Pete Kohler, who is being addressed by Senator Cook.
Allison Westfall — Named as one of the people helping reassure others that the situation was under control.
Cindy Carlson — Expressed support for the nominee and said she had no question.
Cindy Carlson — Senator Cindy Carlson praised Ms. White’s JFAC presentation, saying she was impressed by how well White handled the questions, appeared not to be nervous, and expressed enthusiasm about working with her.
Jennifer White — Jennifer White, Executive Director of the State Board of Education, introduced herself and gave a brief personal and professional background: growing up in Idaho, attending Willamette University, receiving a Truman Scholarship, working in Washington, D.C., attending law school, practicing law, returning to Idaho to work for the Kempthorne administration, Senator Risch, and Boise State University, and then being asked by the governor to serve in her current role. She concluded by thanking the committee, answering a light question about a Sunday school trip, acknowledging praise for her JFAC appearance, and expressing enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to work with the committee to move education forward.
Dave Lent — Addressed as Chairman Lent.
Jean-Anne Autumn Banker — Jennifer White's 98-year-old grandmother, a kindergarten teacher for over 40 years, was introduced as supportive of phonics.
Mary Curtis — Jennifer White identified her mother as a leadership role model.
Lance Curtis — Jennifer White's stepfather, a small business owner in Idaho, was introduced as a support and influence.
Compton and Caroline — Jennifer White's two children were introduced and jokingly linked to support for recess.
James Woodward — Asked a lighthearted question about the Sunday school trip and whether everyone returned safely.
Van Burtenshaw — Identified as making the motion to send the RS to print.