Board Facts

How Idaho Creates Education Policy

The State Board of Education is charged with the general supervision and  governance of Idaho’s public educational institutions, agencies and school system.

The Board is comprised of eight members, seven of whom are appointed by the Governor, and the voter-elected Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Office of the State Board of Education implements Board policies, and oversees the public higher education institutions and the Board’s executive agencies. The Board’s strategic plan guides its policy making decisions, and its current initiatives, which include Next Steps Idaho, Complete College Idaho, STEM Education, College Application Week, Direct Admissions, and implementing the Governor’s K-12 Task Force recommendations.

As Idaho’s single governing body for public kindergarten through college education, the State Board of Education continually works towards an education system without barriers, and within the governance structure and committee structure.  The State Board of Education has been effective in influencing major reform in education providing critical linkages between K-12 and postsecondary education.

Board Governance Structure

Board Governance Structure

The Idaho Constitution provides that the general supervision, governance, and control of the state educational institutions and public school system of the State of Idaho, as with the education system's executive agencies, shall be vested in a State Board of Education (SBOE).

Board Committees

Board Committees

The board is granted authority to self-organize in the execution of its duties. It currently has eight appointed committees which meet, confer, and report regularly. The procedural guidelines for Board committees appear in the bylaws of the Board Governing Policies and Procedures.

Board Planning

Board Planning

The State Board of Education envisions an accessible, affordable, seamless public education system that results in a highly educated citizenry.

Executive Director, Matt Freeman

Thank you for taking the time to visit the Idaho State Board of Education. The Board, my staff and I are passionate about ensuring all Idahoans have access to high-quality educational opportunities.  

Staff Members

The Office of the State Board of Education (OSBE) provides critical executive, strategic, tactical, and administrative support to the Board of Education in its policy-making authority.