Post Falls Superintendent Dena Naccarato said it feels pretty strange to be closing the education chapter of her life after going to school for the last 50 years.

"First as a student, then as a teacher and for the last 22 years as an administrator," Naccarato said Tuesday. "There is definitely going to be a significant change in my daily routine."

Naccarato will retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year following six years as superintendent.

Before leading the Post Falls School District, she served as the assistant superintendent of secondary programs from 2017-2020. She was the director of programs and instruction for the district from 2014-2017. Naccarato stepped into that role following six years as principal at Post Falls High, where she served as vice principal for four years prior to that. She first stepped into the world of education as a teacher in the Lakeland Joint and West Ada school districts from 1994-2004.

When asked what inspired her to enter the world of education and stay for as long as she did, Naccarato responded: "Obviously, the students."

"Watching them learn and grow each year has been pretty great," she said. "I have also had the opportunity to work for and with some pretty incredible humans."

Much has changed throughout Naccarato's 32-year career in education: Teachers no longer take attendance using paper and pencil; chalkboards and chalk have disappeared; students are no longer required to carry around hardcopy textbooks.

"Typewriters were replaced with computers," Naccarato said. "The Iowa Test of Basic Skills was replaced with the ISAT. We now have buzz-in systems and video cameras throughout our school campuses."

Reporting and accountability requirements for school districts have multiplied exponentially, she said.

"The teaching profession has faced growing challenges related to public perception, support and professional respect, which is incredibly unfortunate, because teachers are working harder than ever," she said.

Idaho has long faced challenges in adequately funding K-12 public education, Naccarato said, and many educators and community members remain concerned that the increasing costs of supporting Idaho’s students have not been fully addressed.

"Some critics also feel that outside interest groups have had significant influence on education policy decisions made by the Legislature, the governor, and the superintendent of public instruction," she said. "One example often cited is the $50 million 'voucher' bill passed during the 2025 legislative session."

State education funding should not be dependent on zip codes, Naccarato said. 

"School districts in communities that can afford to pay more levy dollars can provide expanded programming and smaller class sizes, which every child in Idaho deserves," she said. "Our teachers, administrators and support staff work hard every day to ensure our students have the best experience possible."

Through so many years teaching, advising, mentoring and advocating, as well as navigating the district through the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, Naccarato said she is most proud of the relationships and connections she built with students, parents and staff members. Bringing the annual LINK freshman orientation peer program to Post Falls High is another point of pride for Naccarato.

Deputy Superintendent Anna Wilson, who will serve as interim superintendent for the 2026-2027 school year, met Naccarato in 1990 in an English class at North Idaho College. The friends then carpooled to Eastern Washington University for three years for their undergrad degrees.

Wilson said she has always admired how Naccarato makes people feel valued and heard, no matter their role or circumstance.

"Her encouragement, guidance and friendship have shaped me both personally and professionally in ways I’ll always be grateful for," Wilson said. "While this next chapter is so well deserved, her impact in public education will continue to be felt for many years to come. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy and will be deeply missed."

Naccarato's immediate plan after retirement?

"To waterski every day this summer," she said. "I am not going anywhere. I have told my team, if they need anything at all, I am happy to help. I believe in our public school system. If I can be of assistance, it will be my pleasure."

A retirement open house celebrating Naccarato's 32 years in education will be held from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Friday at the Trailhead Event Center in Q'emiln Park, 12361 W. Parkway Drive, Post Falls.