Controversy clouds WA’s school chief race, but this candidate makes the grade | Editorial
We were impressed with Chris Reykdal four years ago when he first ran for Superintendent of Public Instruction and we are still impressed.
The leader has had to tackle many challenges in his first term, starting with how to manage the Legislature’s response to the McCleary lawsuit requiring the state to amply fund K-12 education. Out of the gate, Reykdal had to be involved with a complete revamping of school funding and teacher pay issues.
Now, at the end of his first term, he faces a pandemic and a sex education controversy.
Fortunately for the state, Reykdal brought a wealth of experience to the job and it is serving him well now.
Prior to his role as the state’s school chief, he was a legislator from Tumwater for six years, serving as vice chairman in the House Education Committee.
He also has been a classroom teacher, a school board member and an executive with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
His challenger would bring passion to the nonpartisan office, but she lacks the qualifications for the state school superintendent’s job.
But Maia Esponoza, of Lakewood, has gained momentum because she has focused her campaign against the newly approved sex education requirement.
The new law was backed by Reykdal and supported by the Democrat majority in the Legislature earlier this year. The issue has become so controversial that, despite the pandemic, opponents to the law were able to gather enough signatures to put Referendum 90 on the ballot.
If it goes into effect, the law will require school districts to adopt a sex education curriculum that meets state standards. Even though parents may opt to not have their children participate in the program, opposition has been fierce.
Espinoza is a concerned parent, served on the governor’s Commission for Hispanic Affairs and has limited teaching experience. She is not credentialed, but taught music for a short time at a private school.
There is more to the school chief’s office than sex education. And regardless, voters will decide the issue in this election and the state school superintendent will have to follow their wishes.
Reykdal’s priority right now is finding a way to provide a solid education to all students when COVID-19 restrictions have completely changed the way children learn. Local school officials need Reykdahl’s guidance now more than ever.
In addition to getting through the pandemic, Reykdal wants to improve early learning so children are more ready than ever for kindergarten, and he wants to ensure rural school districts have the same resources as school districts in larger, wealthier communities.
The McCleary decision was supposed to fix that inequity, but there is still a long way to go.
Espinoza wants to improve public schools and supports more local control, but she offers no road map to help her with those goals.
We know many voters in our community are probably not fans of the sex education law approved by the Legislature this year. Our local Republican lawmakers voted against it — not necessarily because they opposed the intent — but because there were details in the legislation they didn’t like.
In the choice between Reykdal and Espinoza, it would be a mistake to use the sex education issue as the deciding factor. The job involves so much more.
And Reykdal is the only candidate with the experience to get it right.
The Tri-City Herald recommends Chris Reykdal for the non-partisan Superintendent of Public Instruction.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREBehind Our Election Recommendations
Who decides the recommendations?
Members of The Tri-City Herald editorial board is comprised of experienced opinion journalists and community members, and is separate from The Herald’s newsroom. Conversations are on the record.
What does the recommendation process entail?
Whenever possible, The Herald editorial board meets with opposing candidates at the same time. The questions are largely focused on a candidate’s qualifications and goals. The editorial board then discusses the candidates in each race and decides who to recommend. Board members seek to reach a consensus on our recommendations, but not every decision is unanimous.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making recommendations, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues, their understanding of public policy and their ability to work with the current board . We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats.
Why are the editorials unsigned?
Our election recommendations reflect the collective views of The Herald’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. For the 2022 election, the board includes: Cecilia Rexus, Herald editorial writer; Laurie Williams, Herald executive editor; Jack Briggs, retired Herald publisher; Ken Robertson, retired Herald executive director; Matt Taylor, retired Herald editorial writer; Mike Paoli and Martin Valadez, community representatives.
This story was originally published October 23, 2020 at 3:54 PM.