Washington schools chief Chris Reykdal on Monday announced his intent to run next year for a third term to run the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The office, which oversees some elements of the state’s K-12 schools, is a nonpartisan position.
Reykdal is a former Democratic lawmaker from Olympia first elected to the statewide schools office in 2016 and re-elected in 2020.
In his announcement Tuesday, Reykdal touted endorsements by Gov. Jay Inslee and U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor.
Among other things, his platform for a third term includes boosting mental health supports for students, expanding technical education, providing nutritious meals for all students and fully funding special education programs.
“The next four years, and beyond, need to focus on the transformational changes necessary for our children and grandchildren to live healthy, sustainable lives in the state of Washington,” Reykdal said in prepared remarks. “Our public schools are at the heart of that vision, and I will never stop fighting for the success of our students, our school employees, and our communities.”
Former state Rep. Brad Klippert, a conservative Republican from Kennewick who ran last year for Washington secretary of state, appears to be launching a bid for superintendent.
Monday’s announcement comes as candidates – including Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz – move forward with campaigns for governor in the wake of Inslee’s decision not to run again. Candidates will formally file election papers next May.
Those campaigns would create vacancies for both of those statewide elected seats. Meanwhile, Office of Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has announced his retirement, meaning that statewide seat will also be up for grabs.