Olympia, Washington – State Superintendent Chris Reykdal announced Monday that he will not seek a fourth term in the 2028 election, emphasizing his conviction that public leadership should be limited by self‑imposed term limits.
Term‑limit philosophy drives decision
Reykdal told reporters, “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 added that, although Washington does not impose term limits on statewide offices, he believes officials should voluntarily step aside to allow fresh energy and new opportunities.
Future political plans remain undecided
The superintendent said he will spend the coming months weighing whether to pursue a different statewide office, run for federal office, or leave elective politics altogether. He and his wife, Kim, will discuss the options, and he promised to keep Washington voters informed about any decision.
Focus stays on education priorities
Reykdal affirmed that his immediate attention remains on the duties voters entrusted to him. He highlighted four key priorities: sustainable and equitable school funding, student well‑being, academic achievement, and meaningful post‑secondary opportunities. He also stressed the importance of accountability within public education.
He cited the COVID‑19 pandemic and the challenges presented by both Trump administrations as major hurdles he has navigated during his tenure. Reykdal praised Washington educators, administrators, and school staff for creating safe, supportive learning environments for students.
OSPI’s role and fiscal stewardship
Reykdal lauded the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) team, noting that the agency oversees a $20 billion education system while allocating only 0.3 % of that budget to its own operations. He described OSPI as an independent voice for public education that serves both voters and local school districts.
OSPI’s mission, as Reykdal reiterated, is to provide K‑12 public schools with funding, resources, tools, data, and technical assistance to help them support students effectively.
Commitment to the final two years
Reykdal thanked Washington voters for their support and pledged to spend his remaining two years in office with the same vigor he promised when he first ran in 2016. He emphasized that his decision to step aside is rooted in a desire to model responsible leadership and encourage a culture of renewal within public service.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
