Idaho Department of Education appoints Alica Holthaus as deputy superintendent for northern regions

Alica Holthaus, former superintendent of the Mountain View and St. Maries Joint school districts, will join the Idaho Department of Education as deputy superintendent of the northern regions.

In this role, she will provide tailored support to local education agencies across North Idaho, the department said in a March 18 announcement.

Her appointment will strengthen the department’s ability to serve schools and students in the region, guided by an experienced leader who understands the unique opportunities and funding challenges facing northern communities.

“I am honored to continue serving Idaho’s students, educators, and communities in this new role,” Holthaus said in the news release. “Education is powerful work, and I look forward to supporting schools across the northern regions of our state.”

Holthaus retired from the St. Maries Joint School District in spring 2023 following a distinguished career as both a teacher and administrator. In summer 2024, she returned to district leadership to serve as interim superintendent of Mountain View School District in Grangeville, where she guided the district through a complex deconsolidation process. As a result of that work, Mountain View School District will separate into two districts, Clearwater Valley School District and Grangeville School District, on July 1.

She will also bring regional support experience through her work with the University of Idaho’s Building Capacity project, where she has served as a Capacity Builder supporting Regions 1 and 2 since 2023.

Before moving into upper-level administrative roles, Holthaus spent 20 years as a classroom teacher in Idaho and Missouri, an experience she credits with shaping her leadership philosophy. She believes strongly in the transformative power of education and the lasting impact educators have on students’ lives.

Outside her professional work, Holthaus enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She takes great pride in her career in education and is eager to continue to offer her support and expertise to schools and students in North Idaho.

“When we look at how best to support schools across North Idaho, having someone with Alica’s depth of experience and understanding of those communities makes all the difference,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said. “She brings both strong leadership and a genuine commitment to students, and we’re excited to have her in this role.”