Heather Lewis

Heather Lewis (independent) is running for election to the Idaho House of Representatives to represent District 8A. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026.[source]

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Idaho Statesman survey

Lewis participated in the following survey conducted by the Idaho Statesman. The questions provided by the Idaho Statesman appear bolded, and Lewis' responses follow below.

What is the modern role of a school board? What should voters know about it that they perhaps don't?

School board trustees are meant to be leaders and champions for public education. We employ and hold the school district superintendent accountable, develop and adopt policies and curriculum, and the school district's budget. We oversee issues with facilities and guide decisions regarding property acquisition. We are also responsible for adopting collective bargaining agreements. The leadership aspect of the school board should facilitate a partnership between community, parents, educators, and students.[5]

—Heather Lewis (2017)[6]

Why should voters consider you for this office?

While I don't have the institutional knowledge that any incumbent candidate would, I do have the background and leadership skills to help our school board make smart decisions as it relates to the responsibilities listed above. I have been successful in my own endeavors in education, the military, business, and in practicing medicine, in large part due to some great Idaho public school and university educators. When I was deployed to Iraq, part of my job as a medic was to train local police in first aid. I was often asked why, as a woman, I knew anything about medicine. They were astonished that I had been allowed to attend school, let alone join the military. I was even told at one point, that if I had pursued the same in their country, I would have been stoned to death. I made a commitment in that moment, to continue some kind of public service past my military service. One of the things that sets this great nation apart from so many others is access to great public education.[5]

—Heather Lewis (2017)[6]

What are your priorities if elected?

The greatest measure of a leader is the success of those they lead, and as a public servant in a leadership role, I intend to promote an environment within our school district that lends itself to creating partnerships between educators, parents, and students. Yes, maintaining a healthy budget in our district is important, but listening to our educators and our students is key to improving our high school graduation rate and "going on" to college or vocational training. Reevaluating the use of technology as a tool in our classrooms and promoting technology stewardship will need to be a focus going forward. We need to find ways to involve our students in our community and vice versa. Nampa, currently, is not a school district that is regarded as one of the best, but it can be. With the big picture in mind, parents and educators in our district want their children to be successful, and the only way we can do that is by making sure every person involved has a clear way to contribute.[5]

—Heather Lewis (2017)[6]

You will be working with a new superintendent. What would be your expectations for that person?

I expect the next superintendent of the Nampa School District to push for high standards in learning and teacher performance. I expect there to be more to evaluating our educators and students than simply test scores. I expect him/her to look for ways to highlight educators and students who are taking action to make a positive difference in Nampa. Our next superintendent needs to have a clear vision for student achievement and a plan to build stronger partnerships. The best change happens not from the top to the bottom, but from the bottom to the top- and we start by having clear goals set by everyone involved in our district- the community, students, educators, and parents.[5]

—Heather Lewis (2017)[6]

Idaho Press-Tribune survey

Lewis participated in the following survey conducted by the Idaho Press-Tribune. The questions provided by the Idaho Press-Tribune appear bolded, and Lewis’ responses follow below.

Board trustee related experience:

I have attended past meetings, and also played a part in the interview process for our incoming Superintendent.[5]

—Heather Lewis (2017)[7]

Top three issues you wish to address as a board trustee:

1) Ensuring the development of students who become life long learners and exemplary citizens.

2) I would like to work toward emphasizing culture within our schools that promotes mutual respect, and leads our students to be successful with building professional relationships.

3) We need to find ways to involve our students in our community and vice versa. Nampa, currently, is not a school district that is regarded as one of the best, but it can be. With the big picture in mind, parents and educators in our district want their children to be successful, and the only way we can do that is by making sure every person involved has a clear way to contribute. School board trustees are meant to be leaders and champions for public education. The leadership aspect of the school board should facilitate a partnership between community, parents, educators, and students.[5]

—Heather Lewis (2017)[7]

What you plan to do as a board trustee:

The greatest measure of a leader is the success of those they lead, and as a public servant in a leadership role, I intend to promote an environment within our school district that lends itself to creating partnerships between educators, parents, students, and our community. Maintaining a healthy budget is important. Listening to our educators and students is also key to improving our high school graduation rate and "going on" to college or vocational training. A stronger partnership between all stakeholders needs to be developed. In order for our district to be successful, we need equal buy-in from all parties responsible for making it great- parents, students, educators, and the community at large. Reevaluating the use of technology, as a tool in our classrooms, and promoting technology stewardship will also need to be a focus going forward.[5]

—Heather Lewis (2017)[7]

Why should voters vote for you:

I have the background and leadership skills to help our school board make smart decisions as it relates to the responsibilities listed above. I have been successful in my own endeavors in education, the military, business, and in practicing medicine, in large part due to some great Idaho public school and university educators. When I was deployed to Iraq, part of my job as a medic was to train local police in first aid. I was often asked why, as a woman, I knew anything about medicine. They were astonished that I had been allowed to attend school, let alone join the military. I was even told at one point, that if I had pursued the same in their country, I would have been stoned to death. I made a commitment in that moment, to continue some kind of public service past my military service. One of the things that sets this great nation apart from so many others is access to great public education.[5]

—Heather Lewis (2017)[7]