WA state schools chief won’t seek re-election in 2028

Chris Reykdal, who has led Washington state’s public school system through a period of financial and political upheaval, and a pandemic, announced Monday that he will not seek re-election to a fourth term in 2028.

“Public institutions are strengthened when leadership changes, new voices emerge, and those entrusted with public office understand that the position belongs to the people, not to the person holding it,” he said in a statement. 

“While our state does not have term limits for statewide office, I believe we should impose those limits on ourselves to ensure new energy and new opportunities are always created,” said Reykdal, who was first elected superintendent of public instruction in 2016.

Reykdal, a Democrat and former state lawmaker, said he may run for another statewide position in 2028, seek a federal office, or “walk away from elective office altogether.”

Reykdal on Monday declined further comment on his future plans.

At this moment, if he were to run for another statewide or federal office, he would find himself facing an incumbent Democrat.

“My wife Kim and I will continue to weigh each of those paths, and I will be transparent about that decision along the way,” he said.

Until then, he said, there are needs to address in the next two years, starting with securing additional dollars for cash-strapped districts.

“There is important work ahead, particularly around sustainable and equitable school funding, student well-being, academic achievement, holding other elected officials accountable to public education, and ensuring every young person has meaningful opportunities after high school,” he said.

Reykdal, 54, was narrowly elected to the nonpartisan post in 2016, beating Erin Jones by a single percentage point. He had an easier re-election in 2020, defeating Maia Espinoza by nearly 10 points. Two years ago, Reykdal defeated David Olson by a similar margin.

A trio of major events continue to shape his tenure. 

In his first term, lawmakers and Gov. Jay Inslee dialed up a major increase in state funding for public schools. That brought the state into compliance with the state Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in the McCleary case that found Washington was not providing adequate financial support for local schools.

Since then, the state hasn’t kept up with its commitment in spite of annual urgings from Reykdal. Now, school districts are contemplating suing again.

In Reykdal’s second term, the COVID-19 pandemic upended the delivery of education in the public school system.  The aftereffects will linger for years. 

Learning loss was broad and deep. Social and emotional challenges among students were widespread, and manifested in disruptive behavior, a surge in chronic absenteeism and a youth mental health crisis. Closing campuses incited an exodus from public schools.

In his current term, districts continue to wrestle with financial challenges and pandemic-related effects. Reykdal is also coping with the hostile administration of President Donald Trump, who has directed U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to dismantle the federal agency. 

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.