Committee hears from Lisa Paulus, nominee to Idaho Public Charter School Commission

Lisa Paulus, of Jerome, appeared before the Senate Education Committee as the governor’s nominee to the Idaho Public Charter School Commission and described her background in management and long-term service with the Boys & Girls Club.

Paulus told the committee she graduated from Post Falls High School and Idaho State University with a political science degree and has worked in television sales management. "My biggest asset is honestly in management and in business," Paulus said, adding, "I'm a good decision maker and I'm a good manager." She said she has served on the board of the Magic Valley Boys and Girls Club for 17 years and the executive board for about 15 years.

Committee members asked Paulus about priorities if she were confirmed. Sen. Cook asked what Paulus considered her biggest asset; Sen. Carlson and Sen. Ward Engelking asked whether she would prioritize bridging friction between charter and traditional public schools and serving students with additional needs. Paulus said she is "a big believer in communication, and I'm a big believer in negotiation," and that she believes educators should look at each student as an individual. "I sincerely believe each child, each individual needs to be looked at as a person, and I believe that each person learns a different way," she said.

Paulus noted she has attended one commission meeting so far and that she was "super impressed" with the commission’s work. The committee took her appearance under advisement and the chair said the committee will likely hold a vote on the nomination at its next meeting.