With incumbent retiring, new faces seek superintendent of public instruction
After 16 years, Republican Suellen Reed, the current superintendent of public instruction, announced that she would not seek a fifth term in office.
Two candidates, Tony Bennett and Richard Wood, are vying for the position, and have solid administrative and classroom experience.
Bennett, the Republican candidate, has said he’d make the state’s education department more of a resource focused on helping schools rather than handing down cumbersome regulations. Wood, the Democratic candidate, said he’d focus on shrinking class sizes and expanding full-day kindergarten.
Bennett, who is now the superintendent in Clark County, said he’d ensure money is spent on students and teachers by restricting the percentage of money that can go to school administrations.
One of Bennett’s main ideals is restoring discipline in the classroom. In a debate hosted by Indiana University, Bennett said no student or teacher should have to accept classroom distractions.
“We have spoken very clearly about improving school discipline, putting discipline back in the hands of teachers and administrators,” Bennett said.
Incumbent Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels was featured in a campaign commercial with Bennett saying, “Learning cannot happen in a classroom that is out of control.”
Wood is now the superintendent in Tippecanoe County. With his slogan, “Student Learning is Job #1,” Wood has said he wants to focus on getting more students to college. He wants to further improve the partnering relationship between colleges and high schools.
“One of the most exciting developments I think that’s taking place in the state today are the very creative partnerships that are taking place between our state universities, and in some cases private universities, and our high school,” Wood said.
