SANDPOINT — A local business owner and father of three has announced his plans to run for the Lake Pend Oreille School Board. Jalon Peters is challenging Zone 2 seat holder Gary Suppiger in the upcoming Nov. 2 election.

“My heart is to work closely with the community, and listen to their needs,” Peters said in a press release announcing his candidacy..

Peters is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility, reluctance to national mandates, and support for students who are not interested in attending secondary education.

“How can we support those students that are going to be plumbers, electricians, mechanics, or work in the service industry?” Peters said. “They all will be a part of our community.”

Peters calls for more parental involvement in schools, and has spoken against implementing national mandates regarding curriculum content and testing criteria, saying

“We as parents and local teachers know what is best for our students.”

He is also vocally opposed to Critical Race Theory. Peters believes it “undermines the rule of law” and “has no place in our country.”

Located south of Sagle, Zone 2 is south of U.S. 2 and west of U.S. 95. Also up for reelection is board vice chair Lonnie Williams of Zone 3. Running in Zone 5 is Tonya Sherman, who is running unopposed for the seat previously held by Cary Kelly, who opted not to run for reelection.

A campaign kickoff will be on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 3-5 p.m. at the Cocolalla Community Center.