Boise School Board Approves

Lisa Roberts as Superintendent

Roberts First Female Superintendent to Lead Boise Schools

Boise, ID -- 01/17/2024 -- On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, the Boise School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Lisa Roberts, deputy superintendent, Boise School District, to serve as Superintendent of the Boise School District, effective July 1, 2024.

Board members applauded the selection of Lisa Roberts, expressing confidence that her appointment will allow for a smooth transition at a time when academic performance and student learning are thriving in the District, as is public support for the District. 

“As a well-respected, well-qualified and deeply committed educational leader, Lisa Roberts has played an instrumental role in building on the successes of our public schools,” said Dave Wagers, president, Boise School Board. “She brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge, having served in various leadership positions in the District during her 31-year career. Her vision and passion for education are clearly evident. She demonstrates daily that she cares about the success and well-being of our students, staff and families. We are confident that under her leadership, Boise Schools will continue to succeed and provide the best possible education to our students.” 

The approval of Lisa Roberts to serve as Superintendent of Schools marks a historic moment in the District, as she will be the first female superintendent to lead Boise’s public schools. 

“As Boise School District's first female superintendent, Lisa Roberts is a trailblazer and an inspiration to women everywhere,” added President Wagers. She is a strong, motivational leader who is well-qualified to take our schools to new heights. We look forward to working collaboratively with her to achieve our shared goals and make a positive impact on the lives of our students.”

AN EXPERIENCED EDUCATIONAL LEADER FOR BOISE SCHOOLS

Lisa Roberts has served the students and families of the Boise School District for 31 years as a classroom teacher, elementary school principal, Administrator of Student Programs, Borah Area Director and, for the last five years, as Deputy Superintendent. Mrs. Roberts has also served on the District’s negotiations team for 18 years. Mrs. Roberts is also on the Board of Directors for the WCA and on the St. Luke’s Community Health Board. She has a proven track record of success in enhancing student outcomes, implementing innovative programs, fostering a positive and inclusive student-centered learning environment, and building strong relationships with all stakeholders.

As the new Superintendent, Lisa Roberts will oversee the 50 schools within the Boise School District, serving more than 22,000 students and approximately 4,000 staff members. She will work closely with teachers, administrators, parents, and the community to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education and have the support they need to succeed.

Lisa Roberts said she is honored and humbled by the Board’s approval and looks forward to serving as Superintendent of Schools beginning on July 1, 2024. “I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for this incredible opportunity to continue to serve the community I love so much, and meet the needs of our students, staff and community,” explained Mrs. Roberts. 

“I am dedicated to building on the solid foundation of success made possible by the work and dedication of previous Boise School District superintendents, including that of Superintendent Dennis. Superintendent Dennis’ strong leadership and vision have created a positive and responsive culture of student and staff success, which is among the top school districts in the state and nation. I look forward to building on that solid foundation of success.” 

ROBERTS ENDORSED BY RETIRING SUPERINTENDENT 



The announcement of Lisa Roberts as Superintendent comes after current Superintendent, Coby Dennis, announced his retirement at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Mr. Dennis said he will spend his remaining months fully engaged in the educational and decision making process while continuing to work closely with Deputy Superintendent Roberts to ensure a smooth transition. 

“I am extremely pleased by the Board’s appointment of Lisa Roberts,” said Dennis. “Lisa has the successful experience to move this District forward and I know first hand her commitment to the District’s Strategic Plan Vision of graduating each student prepared for success in college, career and in life, including supporting our student-centered learning initiative and positioning the District for continued success. The Board is to be commended for choosing Lisa and I look forward to continuing to work with her in the next few months to ensure that the succession from one superintendent to another is seamless, smooth and most of all, effective for our students and the community we serve.”

ABOUT BOISE SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Boise School District is a high-performing, nationally-recognized, comprehensive public school system committed to academic excellence, student well-being, and preparing students for success in college, career and citizenship. With a diverse range of programs and a dedicated team of educators, Boise School District strives to empower every student to reach their full potential.

Boise School District serves approximately 22,400 students and employs 4,300 people, of whom 1,700 are certified staff. In the district, there are 33 elementary schools, 8 junior high schools, and 5 senior high schools. We offer a variety of specialized programs, from Montessori, Dual Language, Full-Day and Highly Gifted programs at elementary, District-wide Full-Day Kindergarten, to the Treasure Valley Math and Science Center, Dennis Career & Technical Center, and the state’s preeminent Advanced Placement program at the secondary level. Boise Schools offer the educational access and experience students need to be successful.

The results are impressive:

• Boise, Borah, Capital and Timberline High Schools recognized as being among our nation’s top high schools by U.S. News & World Reports and Jay Mathews High School Challenge Index (formerly known as the the Newsweek & Washington Post list of America’s Most Challenging High Schools).
• Our students outperform Idaho and the nation on standardized tests, college entrance exams and Advanced Placement testing.
• Our college-going rate (73%) is one of the highest in the state and exceeds the state.
• More National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalists than any other District in the state.
• Nationally recognized music program.
• Nationally recognized career and technical education program.
• Nationally accredited AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Demonstration School.
• Some of the state's highest performing elementary & secondary schools.
• Countless statewide and national recognitions for individual schools, students and staff.
• 25 Advanced Placement course offerings, providing thousands of secondary students with rigorous and relevant coursework to prepare them for college and career success.
• Committed to preparing students for success in college, career and in life. 
• High quality teaching staff - 75% of our teachers hold a Master’s Degree; and almost 50% of our teachers have 11 years of experience or more.  

Discover how Boise School District is Educating Today for a Better Tomorrow at www.boiseschools.org