The Idaho Public Charter School Commission has announced two finalists for the position of executive director following a statewide recruitment process.
The finalists are:
Rachel Burk, parent engagement and school choice coordinator at the Idaho Department of Education. She previously taught English Language Arts in Texas and Idaho, including at a public charter school in Nampa. Burk holds a Master of Arts in teaching from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Arts in cultural anthropology and museum management from Oklahoma Baptist University.
Lisa Costa, director of professional development at the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education. Costa holds a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction, career and technical education, and a Bachelor of Science in family and consumer sciences education, both from the University of Idaho. She is a certified teacher, with experience teaching in the West Ada School District, and holds a CTE administrator certificate.
Members of the commission and the interim director conducted preliminary interviews the week of July 28, followed by interviews with both finalists last week, who subsequently cleared background checks. The commission will consider the finalists and appoint the director at its regular meeting this Thursday, Aug. 14th, at the Commission offices in Boise.
“This is a critical leadership position for the future of charter schools in Idaho,” said Alan Reed, chair of the Idaho Public Charter School Commission. “We are confident in the strength of our finalists and have enjoyed hearing their vision for supporting quality, innovation and accountability in public charter education.”
The new executive director will lead the commission’s oversight of more than 70 public charter schools serving approximately 30,000 students across the state. The position has been held on an interim basis by Jennifer White, executive director of the Idaho State Board of Education.
Members of the public who wish to provide feedback on the finalists may email pcsc@osbe.idaho.gov.
