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Federal

Vote. It’s Election Day

By Michele McNeil — November 04, 2008 1 min read
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This pivotal election season is coming to a close—and I hope all of you vote because there’s a lot at stake for education.

Here at Campaign K-12, we’ll be tracking throughout the day and night not only the presidential race, but also the 11 governors’ races, five state chiefs’ races, plus ballot measures that affect education and anything else that seems interesting. To catch up on Edweek’s campaign coverage, plus its interactive resources for this election (have you taken the presidential candidates’ quiz yet?), check out our multimedia page.

At the federal level, the next president will help guide the next iteration of No Child Left Behind, and the funding level that K-12 education receives. And, he’ll have to face this troubled economy square in the face—an economy that’s already resulted in declining revenues to states and some cuts to K-12 education.

And speaking of states, 11 are electing governors today. Hot races are in North Carolina (an open seat) and in Washington state (a repeat from four years ago.) But the real action is in statehouse races in 44 states. One by one, those races won’t have much of an impact on education, but put together, the party that controls a legislative chamber—and its important budget and education committees—dramatically shapes the direction of education policy and funding in that state.

Five states are electing new chief state school officers. Again, Washington state is the one to watch.

Many states have ballot issues that could have a dramatic effect on education. Voters in Maryland will decide whether to legalize slot machines to help fund education. Voters in Oregon will decide whether to curb services to English language learners.

If you need any further inspiration to vote, perhaps the kids from the Ron Clark Academy can provide it:

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