Ind. Schools Leader Cites Politics In Decision Not To Run For Re-Election

Dr. Jennifer McCormick points out the dysfunction in the governance structure of education policy in Indiana.

Blaming politics and the governance structure of Indiana education, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick says she will not seek re-election in 2020.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Indiana’s top education official has announced she will not seek another term, blaming a governance structure that is getting in the way of doing “what’s best for kids.”

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick made the announcement Monday at a press conference outlining her agenda for the upcoming year.

“A second term is not on my radar. So, I would hope that those who continue to keep the noise going for the sake of political reasons would tone things down,” McCormick said.

She was elected in 2016 and is not up for re-election until 2020.  That will be the last elected term for the position before it becomes appointed.

State lawmakers passed a law in 2017 making the state schools superintendent position a gubernatorial appointment starting in 2025. This after former GOP Governor Mike Pence and the State Board of Education sparred with Democratic Superintendent Glenda Ritz and the Indiana Department of Education on a host of education issues.

Governor Eric Holcomb issued a statement saying he and McCormick had discussions about her seeking re-election and her legislative priorities.

“I reminded her that we have more time left in this term than we’ve been here, and there’s still plenty to be accomplished,” he said.

“Dr. McCormick has given me a lot to digest as I dig into her legislative priorities. I thanked her and told her today I appreciate and respect her lifetime devotion to children and education, and that we’ll take the steps necessary to ensure Indiana has the best team working together to provide the highest quality education for children.”

Among the education-related legislative priorities outlined by McCormick Monday is student learning as “Strategic Priority One.” She wants the state “to provide children an early opportunity to learn while ensuring all K-12 students are provided an inclusive environment.” She said Monday that private schools which accept state voucher monies should not be able to discriminate against LGBT students or staff.

Her “Strategic Priority Two” is school improvement. More funding for school safety, drug-free school support, IHSAA coaching certification, and child abuse prevention fall under that heading. McCormick also wants more financial and academic accountability for charter schools. She is also calling for an aligned assessment system for PK-12 education and reduced testing time.

“Strategic Priority Three” for state lawmakers to consider in 2019, operational effectiveness, includes increased funding for Basic tuition support, English Learners, curricular reimbursement, special education Pre-K, and assessment.

“As evidenced in districts across the State, adequate resources are essential to developing highly successful and prepared students, taught by effective educators, and supported by equipped schools in engaged communities,” said McCormick.