Election: Washington Education Association should keep out of superintendent race

I agree with the News Tribune (TNT, 9-30); Erin Jones is the most qualified candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, but that might not be enough to win. Why? Politics.

The Washington Education Association, the teachers’ union, has decided Jones does not tow the politically correct party line on every single issue. She thinks for herself. Not acceptable.

For instance, Erin believes that charter schools benefit some students, particularly students of color, and therefore will not pledge to try to stop any public funding.

So, the WEA is considering dumping tens of thousands of dollars against Jones. As a former WEA member and a former legislative leader, I ask WEA to reconsider.

Please stay out of this race, keep your powder dry, and then work collaboratively with whomever becomes the next Superintendent.

Erin Jones is a wonderful, brilliant African American teacher and administrator for Tacoma Public Schools.

Educated at top schools in Europe and America, she speaks 4 languages and will be a real inspiration for all students and teachers. I am very pleased she is willing to jump into the fray of politics in this year of craziness.The children of our state would be fortunate to have Jones as their next state superintendent.

(Ebersole is a past mayor of Tacoma.)

This story was originally published October 5, 2016 at 4:05 PM with the headline "Election: Washington Education Association should keep out of superintendent race."