The six people vying to run Washington schools plan to discuss their ideas and the issues facing education at two forums Saturday in Snohomish County.
All six candidates for the next superintendent of public instruction are scheduled to make a rare appearance together.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to come and find out more about the people who want to lead education in our state,” said Winnie Corral, who helped organize the events. “I can’t believe too many roles are more important than the person who’s in charge of our children’s education.”
The first forum is 1 p.m. in room 202 of the Triton Union Building at Edmonds Community College, 20000 68th Ave. W in Lynnwood.
The second forum is 4 p.m. at the Marysville YMCA, 6420 60th Drive NE. Everyone is welcome.
A slew of community organizations have been working together since May, planning the forums. Each organization solicited questions for the candidates from parents and students in their communities. The Snohomish County League of Women Voters is moderating the forums.
Every candidate will be asked the same questions and will have two minutes to respond, said organizer Suzi Wright. People attending the forum won’t have a chance to questions the candidates face-to-face, she said.
The candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction are:
Incumbent Terry Bergeson, who has held the office since 1997
Randy Dorn, a former legislator, teacher and principal who was endorsed by the state teachers union
John Patterson Blair, a Vashon man who has run for state office in the past.
Don Hansler, a former teacher and administrator from the Bellevue School District
David Blomstrom, a Seattle man who has lost several bids for state Superintendent of Public Instruction
Enid Duncan, an Edgewood city councilwoman
Forum organizers hope a diverse group of students and parents attend. Spanish interpreters will be available.
Wright, who helped plan the events for the Tulalip Tribes, said she’s excited to hear the candidates’ perspectives, especially on education in struggling communities.
“Education is very important to the tribe,” she said. “It’s probably one of the most important issues facing the tribe today, so the choice of superintendent is very crucial.”
Reporter Jeff Switzer contributed to this story.
Reporter Kaitlin Manry: 425-339-3292 or kmanry@heraldnet.com.
Meet the candidates
Candidate forums for state superintendent of public instruction:
n 1 p.m. Saturday in room 202 of the Triton Union Building at Edmonds Community College, 20000 68th Ave. W in Lynnwood.
n 4 p.m. Saturday at the Marysville YMCA, 6420 60th Drive NE. in Marysville.
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