Ferguson and GOP Leaders Advocate for Eliminating Washingtons Elected Schools Chief

The newly elected Democratic Governor of Washington, Bob Ferguson, is proposing to eliminate the elected position of Superintendent of Public Instruction in favor of an appointed role within his cabinet. This initiative has surprisingly garnered support from Republican leaders, who view it as a means to improve accountability within the state's education system. The change would require a constitutional amendment, necessitating a two-thirds vote from both the House and Senate to place the proposal on the ballot for voters. Although Democratic leaders have indicated that this is not a current priority, there is some openness to discussions regarding the reform. Former Superintendent Chris Reykdal has expressed his support for the proposal, arguing that it would lead to a more coherent governance structure, addressing inconsistencies in educational directives.

This proposed change reflects broader discussions about educational accountability in Washington state. As education governance continues to evolve, it raises important questions about aligning oversight with public expectations. Ferguson's administration is poised to take action on this issue in the upcoming legislative session.