Superintendent Luna Biography
About Superintendent Tom Luna
Tom moved to Idaho with his wife Cindy 27 years ago to attend college at BYU-Idaho (formerly Ricks College). Tom also attended Boise State University and later graduated from Thomas Edison State College.
Before becoming Idaho's Superintendent of Public Instruction in January 2007, Tom was a successful businessman. He was the president of Scales Unlimited Inc., a company he has owned for more than 20 years in the Treasure Valley. Two of his brothers now run the business.
Tom first got involved in the state's education system by serving on the Nampa School Board for seven years, including three years as chairman.
Tom was appointed under former Governor Phil Batt to lead the Idaho Achievement Standards Commission. Under former Governor Dirk Kempthorne, he was appointed to chair the Idaho Assessment and Accountability Commission. The success of these two commissions resulted in the popular Achievement Standards and the Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT), both useful tools for teachers and parents.
In March 2003, President Bush appointed Tom to serve as a senior advisor to U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige. Tom traveled the country on behalf of President Bush and Secretary Paige, focusing on rural education and school choice, two issues that greatly affect Idaho.
Tom returned to Idaho in March 2005 where he continued to advocate for quality public education until he was elected state superintendent in November 2006.
As Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom is determined to create a customer-driven education system that meets the needs of every student in Idaho and prepares them to live work and succeed in the 21st century.
Tom Luna and his wife Cindy have raised six children in Idaho. They are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren. Five of their children have graduated from Nampa High School and his son, Sam, currently attends public school in Nampa.
Idaho SDE Audio
Superintendent Luna speaks to the State Board of Education on ISAT results.
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