Glenda Ritz released this statement today:
Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz will seek reelection to her current position in 2016.
INDIANAPOLIS – Glenda Ritz, Superintendent of Public Instruction, issued the following statement announcing her decision to seek reelection as Indiana’s Superintendent of Public Instruction.
“Over a million school children are starting school. They begin this school year with the hope and optimism that education can make a difference in their lives. The best use of my time and talents will be to serve our children, their families and the taxpayers of Indiana as Superintendent of Public Instruction. I must continue to be 110% engaged in supporting public education.
Now is not the right time for me to run for governor. Under my leadership, I have brought the discussion of public education into the public discourse and have started to fundamentally change how we support schools. My work is not finished, and my passion is stronger than ever. I am resolutely dedicated to educators, students, and families from Pre-K to graduation.
Recent stories in the news media have pointed out that we do indeed have major issues that impact our families. Two of them particularly concern me—a rising childhood poverty rate and a major decrease in the numbers of college-level students pursuing majors that will lead to teaching. Both of these issues require a redoubling of my commitment to serve as Superintendent to provide the needed wrap-around services to our children and to address the barriers that have been put in place to attract and retain teachers.
The people of Indiana know we need a new governor, a governor that supports public education that directly affects their abilities for better jobs and stronger communities. As Superintendent, I will continue to advocate for what is right to educate our children to improve our economy for all Hoosiers. With the help of all of you, we will keep education the focal point of the gubernatorial race.
Many of my supporters will be disappointed in my decision, but I know that we share a vision for education. My heartfelt thanks goes out to all who have so passionately supported my campaign for governor.
With my personal commitment to doing what is needed to prepare this and future generations for the challenges of tomorrow, I will enthusiastically seek re-election as your Superintendent of Public Instruction. ”
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Diane Ravitch's blog 
What power does she retain as supt of instruction?
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Depends on who is elected governor. The governor appoints the state board of education, and that board will decide the chair after the next election. Educators have been torn between Ritz and Karen Tallian as Tallian also has a solid background of supporting public ed (unlike Gregg who has been much aligned for not distancing himself from ALEC). Now, there won’t split the vote come primary time. Many of the unions have gone behind Gregg early on, but ISTA (Indiana State Teachers Association) hasn’t picked a candidate yet and it is unknown if they will; unless Gregg shows he is committed to public schools, there will be huge pressure on ISTA to endorse Tallian in the primary. Tallian now stands a better chance of getting non-teacher union support now in addition as it is still early. Some non-teacher unions endorsed Gregg due to early momentum as well as taking issue with Glenda’s husband’s business being non-unionized.
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K
Sent from my iPhone
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A Democratic governor, with his/her appointments could restore some of her power. A Democratic general assembly could restore all of it. We need to double down on efforts to re-elect Glenda, and give her the support she needs. We also need to demand to know the stands of the remaining gubernatorial candidates concerning education while there is still time to make sure someone with strong, pro public education views is running.
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