States

Live Election Coverage: State Chiefs’ Races

By Andrew Ujifusa — November 05, 2014 2 min read
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On Nov. 4, this blog will track the results of in all seven races for state schools chief taking place this year. For each race, I’ll highlight the winner and add a dollop of analysis.
There are also hyperlinks for each election that I’ve written about in recent months. The blog will be updated throughout the evening and into the next day. The winners will be highlighted and a short analysis will accompany each race. Be sure to click through the hyperlinks for more in-depth campaign coverage.

Arizona

David Garcia (D) v. Diane Douglas (R) DOUGLAS WINS

Douglas, a former local school board member, is a staunch opponent of the standards. She won’t be able to stop the common core by herself, but her ability to influence the debate in Airzona about the common core is something to watch. (For more on the Arizona chief’s race, click here.)

California TORLAKSON WINS

Tom Torlakson v. Marshall Tuck (Non-Partisan)

Torlakson, the only incumbent chief on the ballot Nov. 4, says he has helped implement major reforms since he was elected in 2010, such as a new school finance system and the common core. He will likely continue to work closely with Gov. Jerry Brown and state Board of Education President Mike Kirst. (For more on the California chief’s race, click here.)

Georgia WOODS WINS

Valarie Wilson (D) v. Richard Woods (R)

A former teacher and administrator, Woods wants a testing moratorium and thinks Georgia should drop the common core. Wilson was endorsed by current state Superintendent John Barge, but it wasn’t enough for Wilson to overcome Woods. (For more on the Georgia chief’s race, click here.)

Idaho YBARRA WINS

Jana Jones (D) v. Sherri Ybarra (R)

Jones, who used to work in the state education department, supports increased funding for schools and expanded early-learning programs. Ybarra, a school administrator, says the common core is important to the state’s future.

Oklahoma HOFMEISTER WINS

John Cox (D) v. Joy Hofmeister (R)

Hofmeister thinks teacher pay and benefit packages need to be improved to bolster the K-12 workforce. (For more on the Oklahoma chief’s race, click here.)

South Carolina SPEARMAN WINS

Tom Thompson (D) v. Molly Spearman (R) v. Ed Murray (American Party)

Spearman, a former member of the state legislature who leads the state’s school administrators association, wants more career and technical education programs in the state and thinks students in rural districts need more technological resources.

Wyoming BALOW WINS

Mike Ceballos (D) v. Jillian Balow (R)

Balow, who used to work for Gov. Matt Mead, also a Republican, thinks standards and accountability are not as crucial to student success as good teaching.

A version of this news article first appeared in the State EdWatch blog.