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. 

The race for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has received more attention than usual this year, as the state grapples with pandemic-related learning loss, a surge in chronic absenteeism, a drop in public school enrollment and a youth mental health crisis. 

At the same time, national culture wars over race and LGBTQ+ issues have made their way into Washington’s schools, notably with a parents’ “bill of rights” lawmakers approved this year that’s now being challenged in court. Those who aligned with the parental rights movement will be happy to see Olson, a supporter of the movement, advance. Olson has also called for more funding and has run on a platform of more local control for school boards. 

A political novice and founder of an education nonprofit, Saaris identifies as a Democrat and shares similar progressive politics to Reykdal, but was hoping to tap into frustration from parents around Reykdal’s handling of the state’s school woes, as Reykdal has faced criticism for minimizing the issues. Saaris’ campaign focused on student mental health in particular, calling for universal mental health care in schools. 

Saaris, who has never held elected office but has years of experience in education, raised over $370,000 leading up to the race — over $100,000 more than Reykdal. Olson raised about $68,400.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction channels funding to schools, implements state education laws and sets curriculum standards. Like all state agencies, the office can request legislation, but cannot pass laws.