Commenters on the AJC Get Schooled blog discussed the results of the state school superintendent primary last week that produced runoffs in both the Democratic and Republican parties. The runoff will be held July 22. Here is a sampling of blog comments:
Astro: Alisha Morgan made the playoffs (in a manner of speaking). Now, she's got a little tougher task ahead of her. She's much, much more electable in a general election than Valarie Wilson. I guess the Democrats have to decide whether they really want the job for one of their own or just concede it to the Republicans.
Edumacate: Spoke to Richard Woods back in 2010 when he first ran for the job. He made sense then and still does today. I like his no-nonsense approach, particularly in regards to testing. I typically vote on the Democratic ticket, but crossed over for Woods and to express my anti-Deal feelings.
AMomWhoCares: I think Nancy Jester believed early on she would have support (financial and endorsements) from the state's top Republican leaders. That clearly never materialized. I think she was in trouble the minute the public outcry began over the Legislature's efforts to end Georgia's participation in the Common Core. Top Republicans saw Common Core isn't such an easy call, from a political standpoint.
Progressive: Alisha Morgan is no Democrat. Electing Valarie Wilson is the only way we can ensure for-profit charters do not take over the future of Georgia education.
John: Mike Buck was the most qualified candidate in the race. He was a successful principal and assistant superintendent in Rome for several years, had great educator contacts throughout the state, and campaigned hard for the job.
Bernie: The panel of candidates was weak overall, which is clearly representative as to what is expected and desired by those who would prefer to eliminate this office entirely. As to whether this will lead to any change or improvement in Georgia's education standing, downward is the most likely trend that will reveal itself.
Lynn: The state superintendent of schools is the leader of public schools. Whoever this person is should be someone with a passion for all children, schools and teachers. This person should recognize that 90 percent of all children in Georgia attend public schools and should work to make education better for them. This person should not be someone with special interest for a few children.
Jerry: Whew. Two relatively sane people who might have some understanding — or memory of — what a classroom is. Don't agree with Woods' chucking Common Core. Tossing it wholesale would put us back yet another three to four years. Either Buck or Woods might do a decent job of allowing the hard work that's been done downtown for the last few years to continue. Still need to figure out how to clean house (and leave the good ones; as with teaching, it's not a simple job figuring out who stays and who goes).
