Crowded field in race to become next chief of Washington schools

SEATTLE — There's a crowded field of candidates vying to be Washington's next superintendent of public instruction.

The list includes a lawmaker and community college administrator, an award-winning teacher and administrator, a school nurse who runs the school health program across the state, and six others who mostly want to have their voices heard.

Incumbent Randy Dorn is not seeking re-election.

Chris Reykdal, who represents Tumwater in the state Legislature, would be the first superintendent in recent history with children in public school if elected.

Erin Jones, who works for the Tacoma School District as a teaching coach and program administrator, is the first African-American woman to run for statewide office in Washington state.

Robin Fleming runs the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction's health services program. She would be the first nurse to become superintendent of public instruction.