(Idaho Department of Education Press Release, September 19, 2024)
(BOISE) – Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield has announced the upcoming departure of Chief Deputy Superintendent Ryan Cantrell. Cantrell’s last day with the Idaho Department of Education will be October 25.
Cantrell joined the department in January 2023 after serving as a teacher, principal and
superintendent in several Idaho public schools.
“We will miss Ryan and I am thankful that he shared with us his immense talents during a
critical time at the department,” Critchfield said. “His legacy here will be the change in direction and culture he helped implement over the last 21 months. Ryan is such a huge asset to public education in our state.”
As chief deputy, Cantrell led several teams at the department with a focus on direct service to students. He also assisted with legislative affairs during the 2023 and 2024 sessions of the Idaho Legislature. He has supported Critchfield’s work on the State Board of Education and helped oversee outreach to school administrators across the state.
“I’m grateful for my time with Superintendent Critchfield and the incredibly talented staff at the Department of Education,” Cantrell said. “It’s been an absolute privilege to work with so many committed educators throughout the state. I’m excited to pursue my next professional opportunity with this positive experience as a guide. I will leave knowing that the department is in a really good place and I’m proud to have been able to help contribute to that.”
