The Idaho State Journal gave Pocatello/Chubbuck school board candidates the opportunity to answer the following questions about their backgrounds and platforms ahead of the Nov. 4 election. Here are their responses:

Name: Cami Ellis

Position running for: Pocatello/Chubbuck school board Zone 1

Age: 49

What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?

As a mother of six children who are involved in a wide range of activities, from sports and music to clubs, I understand the importance of giving students the opportunity to grow academically, socially, and personally. Also, as a grandparent, I am not only invested in our current students, but in our future students and continuing to setting a strong tradition of success in SD 25.

Why did you decide to run for office?

I chose to run because I believe it’s important to be civically involved. If I want good things to happen in our district and our community, I believe it is important to contribute in a meaningful way. I have seen how decisions made at the school board level directly impact students, families, and teachers and I want to be part of making those decisions in a way that strengthens our schools. For me, running for this seat is about supporting our educators, and making sure our students have the best opportunities possible.

What will be your top priorities if elected?

If elected, my top priority will be making sure every student has the chance to succeed, no matter their grade level or school. Each level has its own unique challenges and needs, and I want to take the time to listen and understand them. My goal is to be open-minded, approachable and focused on supporting both students and educators so our schools can thrive. I believe every parent, student, and teacher deserves to feel valued and heard.

Name: Megan Furniss

Position running for: Pocatello/Chubbuck school board Zone 1

Age: 41

What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?

I have spent about a decade in public schools as an educator. I obtained my masters degree in Educational Leadership which gave me a foundation for understanding the leadership roles in the district/buildings and an understanding of teacher evaluations and curriculum. I also have children in the schools locally. I feel that, to my benefit, I am not from Pocatello, so I do not have any prior bias to any school: elementary, middle, or high school. I truly want what is best for each student and the community as a whole.

Why did you decide to run for office?

I applied for and was appointed to the vacant position in May 2024. I saw the need then for someone that has experience in the classroom and as a community member to offer a different perspective. I still feel the same way while running for election. Also having children in elementary schools gives me a different perspective than most members of the board. Because of this I feel like I’m able to make an unbiased decision when it comes to different boundary zones. I pushed for the new cell phone policy that I think has really benefited everyone.

What will be your top priorities if elected?

My top priority is the students. I want to make sure they get the best education they can while receiving various opportunities to learn. I want our district to become competitive in gaining and retaining students. I would like us to continue on the trajectory of raising testing scores and supporting curriculum/teacher in-service that aids in those accomplishments. I want to be able to keep the students first while also maintaining a balanced budget that keeps savings for any hardships. I would also like to see a lot more community engagement and input on what the community wants.

Name: Heather Clarke

Position running for: Pocatello/Chubbuck school board Zone 2

Age: 58

What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?

Having served for the last four years as Trustee, I have made it my focus to be a collaborative member of the Board, working in tandem with the district’s vision and core focus on improving student outcomes for all our learners. I have invested a significant amount of time and effort to listen, learn and act upon the challenges our District has faced over these last few years, as well as celebrate the many successes they have. I feel we still have more work to do, and I would like to remain a part of it.

Why did you decide to run for office?

I believe passionately in the value of public education, and believe that the time spent improving and supporting our school district leads to a stronger community. School boards are an essential link between the public and the school administration, and I pride myself in being objective, asking tough questions and ensuring that the decisions both in policy and procedure are necessary to ensure our success.

What will be your top priorities if elected?

To ensure the district continues to be academically rigorous, fiscally responsible, safe and supportive, and staffed by highly effective educators. We still have the challenge of addressing academic recovery from the pandemic, ongoing challenges of school choice and how to meet the needs of all our learners, and addressing the financial challenges that arise from lower enrollment.

Name: Deanna Judy

Position running for: Pocatello/Chubbuck school board Zone 5

Age: 53

What aspects of your background and life experiences make you feel like you’re the best candidate for this position?

I have been involved in education all of my life. My father was a professor at Idaho State University and Brigham Young University. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Literacy. I have always had a passion for education. I am a Pocatello native, and my husband and I have lived here since completion of medical school and residency in Iowa. We have seven children who have all attended School District 25 schools.

Why did you decide to run for office?

I chose to run because I care deeply about our children’s education and well being. Strong literacy and math skills are essential for their success, and we must work with teachers to strengthen these fundamentals. I’m also concerned about rising loneliness, anxiety, and bullying. Our kids need real, meaningful connections—with peers and caring adults. With mental health challenges increasing, I feel that mentorship and peer connection are pivotal to foster belonging and resilience. Most importantly, families are central to every child’s growth. By working together—schools, parents and communities can ensure brighter futures and stronger foundations for all our children.

What will be your top priorities if elected?

My top priority is rebuilding Highland High School to ensure a safe, functional environment for students and staff after the devastating fire. I will continue promoting transparency and collaboration by involving parents and community members in major decisions, including budget, boundaries, and curriculum. Open communication is key to restoring trust and strengthening enrollment. I support accessible “Board Briefs” and readable budgets to keep all stakeholders informed. By fostering genuine partnerships between the board, families, and the community, we can make thoughtful, united decisions. Though we can’t please everyone, working together ensures strong public schools and the best educational outcomes.