Candidates who want to lead Washington’s school system as its next superintendent will speak at forums around the state. If you know of any other scheduled OSPI candidate forums, please email info to LEV Communications Director Arik Korman
OSPI candidates advancing to the general election November 8:
- Erin Jones, a Tacoma Public Schools administrator. Listen to her interview with LEV HERE
- State Representative Chris Reykdal (D-22). Listen to his interview with LEV HERE
If you are unable to attend a live candidate forum, TVW will carry them. Info HERE
Watch the October 5th Woodinville candidate forum HERE
Note: The League of Education Voters is not promoting or endorsing either candidate.
13 comments on “State Superintendent of Public Instruction Candidate Forums”
As a matter of fact I contacted ESD 112 today (April 11th) asking about the forum. It is not listed on the ESD web site and did not come up under a search. I was told that it is a closed forum only for “educators”. I’ve asked for permission to attend and will learn later today whether I will be granted special dispensation.
The press will be there. The session will be video taped but the public apparently isn’t welcome.
Thanks for the heads-up!
Any plans to hold a forum over on the west end; Clallam, Jefferson County areas?
Good question! You may want to contact OSPI at Jami.Peterson@k12.wa.us
What happened to candidate Larry Seequist?
Larry Seaquist ended his campaign for Superintendent of Public Instruction and instead is running for state representative of the 26th legislative district.
Where do the candidates stand on charter schools?
Here is what Chris Reykdal said about charter schools:
“I do not personally support privately run charter schools and I don’t believe charter schools will solve systemic problems. I voted against the bill recently passed by the Legislature. Charter schools attempt to create a separate but equal system. A better and more comprehensive approach would be fully funded public schools, more choices within districts, and stronger parent options within and between districts. There is nothing wrong with “choice” as long as the dollars are under the control of local voters who elect a local board. I don’t believe the recent bill passed by the Legislature is constitutional, and I don’t think it will survive in the courts.
I have nothing but respect for the parents who are seeking better opportunities for their children, but schools aren’t just owned by parents. They are also owned by the 4 million taxpayers and voters who don’t have children in schools. We, the people, own our schools. As soon as we believe that every “customer” of government can take their share of the tax contribution (and more) and use it in the market place, we will destroy what it means to be public. Imagine the breakdown of our parks, our fire fighting services, our police services, and so many others services if people could just take their share of taxes and opt out for private services. I believe in the free-market for things we are not entitled to, however, for the 25% of the economy that is guaranteed to us in the Federal and State Constitution – Safety, education, voting rights, and more: I will vigorously defend those as PUBLIC services to be paid for, controlled, and in the trust of the public.”
Source: http://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2016/03/state-superintendent-questionnaire_30.html
Here is what Erin Jones said about charter schools:
“I voted against charter schools in 2012. I did so because I do not that charter schools are good for us as a system. Over time, they are not serving for the very students who are already vulnerable in the system (students of color, English Language Learners (ELL) students, students served by special education programs). In my opinion, the charter school conversation is taking up time, energy and resources that could be focused on better serving the million plus students who are served by ourenrolled in our public schools.
If we were to take all the money and time and energy that has been expended on both the pro-charter AND anti-charter movements, we could have leveraged these resources to support the schools that exist now. We could have used that money to help districts develop plans for social-emotional learning and restorative justice. We could have trained thousands of staff how to support students who have experienced trauma. If a charter law existed that allowed charter schools to exist under the auspices of the State Superintendent’s office, then we can have a different conversation. However, the focus of the efforts of OSPI MUST BE on the millions, not the few thousand.”
Source: http://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2016/03/state-superintendent-questionnaire-erin.html
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