Reykdal, Olson ahead in race to lead WA's public schools

Incumbent Chris Reykdal and Peninsula School Board member David Olson were leading Tuesday night as Washington’s top two picks to helm the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the state agency that oversees K-12 education.

Reykdal led with about 39.6% of the vote, according to results posted by the secretary of state’s office around 8:40 p.m. Olson received 31% and a third candidate, Reid Saaris, trailed with 23.4%.

While the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is officially non-partisan, Reykdal is a former Democratic state lawmaker with deep connections to the party and Olson was endorsed by the Republican Party. Reykdal has spent his time in office calling for more state funding, particularly for special education, and recently won an endorsement from the state’s teachers’ union.

The top two candidates in the primary will advance to the November general election. The Associated Press has called the race for Reykdal but has not yet determined who the second candidate advancing will be.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/08/06/reykdal-olson-ahead-in-race-to-lead-was-public-schools/