The College of Idaho to Host Idaho Superintendent Debate

Be part of the conversation about the future of education in Idaho.

The College of Idaho will host the 2026 Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debate on Tuesday, September 22, at 7 p.m. in the Langroise Center.

Candidates Debbie Critchfield and Becky Sundin Mitchell will take the stage to debate their visions for Idaho’s public education system. Attendees will have an opportunity to hear directly from both candidates about the issues affecting students, educators, schools and communities across the state.

Presented by Idaho Education News and The College of Idaho’s Master of Education program, the debate is designed to help Idahoans better understand where the candidates stand before the November election.

Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News will moderate the debate. Panelists will include Dr. Matthew McDaniel, director of The College of Idaho’s Master of Education program; Melissa Davlin of Idaho Reports and Idaho Public Television; and Ryan Suppe of Idaho Education News.

Get Ready for the Debate

Ahead of the live event, McDaniel joined Richert and other panel members for a special episode of The EdNews Show. The “State Superintendent Debate Pregame” episode explores the race, introduces important issues and lays the groundwork for the upcoming debate.

Listen to the debate pregame podcast.

Event Details

Tuesday, September 22, 2026
7 p.m.
Langroise Center at The College of Idaho
Free and open to the public

Don’t wait to hear about the decisions shaping Idaho’s schools after they happen. Attend the debate, hear directly from the candidates and be part of the conversation about the future of public education in Idaho.