Letter: Erin Jones is clear choice for superintendent of public instruction

I am disappointed in your endorsement of Chris Reykdal for superintendent of public instruction. You reason that his experience as a legislator will facilitate the response to the McCleary decision.

This is the precise reason why Erin Jones is the clear choice. Chris Reykdal had the opportunity to work towards amply funding public education, and while you rightly state that failure cannot be blamed on one person, new leadership is what’s needed.

Erin Jones is an acclaimed educator with policy experience from her time at OSPI. But the breadth of her experience cannot be matched — her work with the students and families of Washington is invaluable experience. Moreover, Washington is on the precipice of a debilitating teacher shortage. I trust not only her professional experience, but also her experience with teachers across the state to more effectively address this critical issue.

Legislators can legislate — which, on McCleary, they have not done well. It’s time for a respected educator and skillful policy advocate to take the helm of OSPI. Erin Jones, rather than doing the work of a defunct Legislature, will lead OSPI as an educator and tirelessly fight for the students of Washington.

This story was originally published October 25, 2016 at 4:10 AM with the headline "Letter: Erin Jones is clear choice for superintendent of public instruction."