State Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn is stepping down after eight years in office. Now voters must decide between Erin Jones and Chris Reykdal.
Jones and Reykdal have a lot in common. Both are passionate about the students who attend the 295 school districts across the state. Both want equal and equitable education funding. Both want to have a serious look at the assessment process in the state’s schools and look for better ways to make sure kids are learning. But one key difference is about the office and what their role truly is.
“So it is an executive role," Reykdal said. "That agency has $9 billion that flows through it. And there are 400 employees. And we both have great experiences on the ground. She’s been a remarkable teacher in the classroom. I was a classroom teacher as well. But I think this role is something different. There are no students enrolled at OSPI. You are serving policymakers and school districts.”
Reykdal taught for three years, currently serves on the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and has represented the 22nd District in the state House for the last five years.
Jones, on the other hand, has worked as an educator for the last 25 years and was an assistant superintendent in the state superintendent’s office. She most recently held a post with the AVID college readiness program in Tacoma. So she says her take on the job of state superintendent is a little different.
“I’m really coming from the lens of an educator. And I think right now, with the funding question, I think it’s really important that we get back to what are we funding, not how are we funding. That’s the legislator’s job," Jones said. "I believe it’s my job to really represent the voices of public instruction, and schools, and teachers.”
School funding will be the main priority for whoever wins in November. Lawmakers are expected to hammer out a new formula during the upcoming session. But both Jones and Reykdal say work also needs to be done on the so-called “levy cliff.” It’s a looming reduction in how much money school districts can collect through local property tax levies. Without some tweaks, many districts could be facing huge cuts.
Chris Reykdal candidate interview
Erin Jones candidate interview
