Reykdal leading Olson in contest to oversee Washington's public schools

Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal led challenger David Olson on Tuesday in a battle for leadership of the state agency that oversees K-12 education in Washington.

Reykdal, who is seeking a third term, received 53.5% of the vote to Olson’s 45.9%. Vote counting will continue in the days ahead.

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 was first elected in 2016 and reelected in 2020. He has spent his time in office calling for more state funding for schools, particularly for special education and staff. In September, he requested nearly $3 billion in additional funding for public schools in the next two-year state budget.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/11/05/reykdal-leading-olson-in-contest-to-oversee-washingtons-public-schools/