09/27/2017 -
The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) is hosting a Candidates’ Forum for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
The State Superintendent of Public Instruction is the non-partisan, elected executive officer of the California Department of Education (CDE). The state superintendent executes policies set by the California State Board of Education, and also heads and chairs the board. Current superintendent Tom Torlakson’s term expires at the end of 2018, and a new superintendent will be elected in November of that year.
The two leading candidates, Tony Thurmond and Marshall Tuck, will attend the two-hour forum, to be held at SCOE. The event is designed to be an opportunity for the public to learn more about the candidates and their positions on important issues facing education.
A diverse panel consisting of a Sonoma County teacher, principal, superintendent, and school board member will interview the candidates before the floor is opened to the public for questions.
“SCOE is honored to provide the North Bay with an opportunity to get to know the candidates for this important position impacting education” said Steve Herrington, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required due to limited space. Click here to register.
About the Candidates
Marshall Tuck: As president of the nonprofit Green Dot Public Schools, Marshall Tuck helped create 10 new public charter high schools in some of LA’s poorest neighborhoods. Eight have now been ranked among the top high schools in America by U.S. News & World Report. In 2014, Tuck ran a close campaign against incumbent Tom Torlakson, receiving 48 percent of the vote.
Tony Thurmond: Tony Thurmond is a state assemblymember and has served the people of California for ten years in elected office. He is also a leader of nonprofits for youth, with a dozen years of experience. Thurmond credits his public school education with helping him become a 20-year social worker and ultimately to be elected to serve on a city council, a school board, and now in the California State Assembly.
