Dave Mattson, Chairman

BIO

Mr. Mr. Dave Mattson moved to Pocatello when he was 18 years old in 1968 after he was recruited to play football for the Idaho State University Bengals (1968-1971). He joined 36 other recruits from across the country at the invitation of Idaho State University head coach Ed Cavanaugh. His original plan was to play football for four years and then return to California. Like 13 other men from his recruiting class, his positive experiences in the Portneuf Valley, including meeting his wife and starting a family, led him to choose Idaho as his permanent home. He has never looked back.

Before retiring from a career that spanned 36 years, Mr. Mattson was a regional manager for Ferguson Industrial. He has lived, worked and raised a family in the community for nearly 50 years. His son-in-law is a long-term teacher and coach at Highland High School.

He has served on the board since 2013 and is the current chair. Mr. Mattson serves Zone 5.

Mr. Mattson said, “Being a school board member has provided me with an opportunity to pay back into this community that has given so much to me. Maybe it was also the influence of my dad, who was a juvenile probation officer, and my mother, who was a dedicated homemaker. I saw a need to give back to a community I love.”.

Learn more about Dave and his service to the board

Jackie Cranor, Assistant Clerk

BIO

Mrs. Jackie Cranor was born and raised in Pocatello and attended school at Lewis & Clark Elementary School and Alameda Jr. High School. She graduated from Pocatello High School in 1968. After attending both Rick’s College and Idaho State University, Ms. Cranor earned a K-8 reading endorsement and master’s equivalent in elementary education. She went on to teach in the Pocatello-Chubbuck School District for 18 years, where she taught sixth, third and fourth grades at Bonneville and Indian Hills elementary schools. Her children and many of her 13 grandchildren have attended district schools.

After retirement, Mrs. decided to run for the school board. She originally became interested in serving on the Board of Trustees for two reasons. First, she thought it was important to add the perspective of a teacher to the decision-making process, and second, she believes in public education. Mrs. Cranor has served on the school board for 12 years. She represents Zone 1.

Mrs. Cranor said, “My passion for public education has continued to grow during my time on this board. I have also grown in my understanding of what it really takes to operate a school district.”

“From reading emails and reviewing policies to attending legislative meetings and understanding Idaho education laws, governing our local public education system is not just about teachers and teaching. As a trustee, we have a role and a responsibility to make decisions based on what is best for ALL. This work entails reading, listening, engaging and actively learning to fully understand not only the day-to-day but also the year-to-year operations.”

Learn more about Jackie and her service to our community

Janie Gebhardt, Assistant Treasurer

BIO

Mrs. Janie Gebhardt moved to Pocatello in 2000. Prior to becoming and Idahoan, she earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Connecticut; and Master of Divinity from the Yale Divinity School and a CAES from Boston college. She was ordained in 1985 and has served churches in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Idaho (16 years at First Congregational UCC in Pocatello). In addition to her work as a Trustee, she is currently serving as an Interim Pastor in Salt Lake City, Utah.

She served for six years as a board member on the Idaho School Boards Association and has served in various capacities on the Interfaith Council since 2004. She is currently the chair of 2 Great 4 Hate and is a longstanding member of Zonta.

Among her accomplishments serving on the Board, Mrs. Gebhardt cited, “Surviving times of severe budget cuts, changing boundaries (though not popular it has created greater balance in our high schools); and selecting Dr. Howell as our Superintendent.”

She said, “Navigating a pandemic is new territory, but I believe good choices have been made to keep our learners as safe as we are able. I was also delighted at the numbers of our learners graduating from New Horizons, as not so long ago they would not have been.”

Mrs. Gebhardt has been a Trustee for 14 years. She serves Zone 4.

Jim Facer, Member

BIO

Mr. Jim Facer is native to Pocatello. He and his children attended Lewis & Clark Elementary School, Alameda Middle School and Pocatello High School. His father also attended Pocatello High School. Mr. Facer has four grandchildren attending PCSD 25 schools and his daughter teaches elementary school in the district.

Mr. Facer said he enjoys the opportunity serving on the school board gives him to see kids succeed, learn, grow and overcome trials. When he isn’t attending school visits, board meetings or reinstatement hearings, Mr. Facer enjoys family activities, hiking, camping, woodworking and fixing things.

Mr. Facer has served on the board for five years combined (2012-2015; 2020-current). He serves Zone 2.

Paul Vitale, Vice Chairman

BIO

Mr. Paul Vitale has called Pocatello home for more than 40 years. He was employed by PCSD 25 for 12 years as a social worker/counselor. His children and grandchildren graduated from Pocatello High School. He has been involved in community organizations, including the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Mr. Vitale was elected to the school board in 2012.