Andy Grover has been preparing for this moment all of his adult life.
The Republican candidate for state superintendent of public instruction has accomplished his checklist of tasks to place him where he is today — campaigning to oversee K-12 education in Idaho.
“I’ve always wanted to run,” Grover said. “I don’t do anything that’s not planned. We have a direction we’re going and we know why we’re doing it.”
Grover is a fifth-generation Idahoan who joined the Marine Corps reserves, went on a Mormon Church mission to France and returned to marry a girl from his small hometown.
Check.
He graduated from college, taught, coached and moved into school administration, eventually becoming the Melba School District superintendent.
Check.
He joined multiple organizations and volunteered or has been elected to leadership and legislative roles.
Check.
He has working and personal relationships with lawmakers and the endorsement of more than 18 fellow superintendents.
And check.
“They have assured me this is the time,” Grover said of his supporters. “That’s what sets me apart — I’ve worn every hat and I’ve accomplished every goal.”
Grover’s wife Candice affirms the journey.
“He has been so determined and so committed,” she said. “He serves and works hard — he amazes me.”
Who is Andy Grover?
Grover grew up in Ririe in rural eastern Idaho. His mother was a teacher and his father a lawyer. He graduated from Boise State University in political science and once dreamed of law school before deciding to follow in his mother’s footsteps.
He married Candice, a fellow Ririe High graduate, and they have three teenage daughters. They are lifelong Republicans who have maintained a strong faith in their Mormon religion. All decisions, including the one to run for state superintendent, are made in family circles and supported by prayers.
“If we do something, we do it full force as a family — that’s how we are,” Candice said. “A lot of talking and prayer are involved.”
Once Andy committed to education, he has worked his way through every job and every graduate-school requirement.
He taught and coached for eight years in the Bonneville School District in Idaho Falls before starting his path into administration. Bonneville Superintendent Chuck Shackett endorses Grover.
He left Bonneville for the Melba district, where he was high school principal before being selected superintendent.
His daughters attend Melba schools. Grover can see his house from his office.
“We work here, live here and are highly involved in the community,” Grover said.
Grover has multiple degrees — diplomas are displayed in his office — and he’ll complete his doctorate over the next 12 months. When their three daughters entered school, Candice entered college. She’s now a teacher in Melba.
“We show our kids how important education is to us,” Grover said.
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