Candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction
Elected every four years, the Superintendent of Public Instruction:
- Manages the state Department of Education
- Provides leadership and assistance for 9,000 public schools in California
- Enforces state laws and rules about education
- Acts as a spokesperson for public education
If someone gets more than half of the votes in the June Primary Election, they will be elected. If no candidate wins in the June election, the two with the most votes will run against each other in the November election.
Candidate Statements:
Daniel L. Bunting
Sarah L. Knopp
Diane A. Lenning
Grant McMicken
Jack O’Connell
This is a nonpartisan office, so candidates’ parties are not shown on the ballot.
Candidates are listed alphabetically.
Daniel L. Bunting
Retired School Superintendent
Age: 74
Lives in: Cloverdale
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“ I have 50 years experience in education as a teacher (K-8), principal, programs project writer, District Superintendent, School Board Member (currently in Cloverdale Unified School District). I have also served as a school bus driver, and night custodian. ” |
Priorities:
- To be highly visible to all school districts, large and small.
- To seek better direction in teaching, through how children learn, and how they learn best.
- Advise the Legislature regarding feasibility of legislation affecting schools.
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Sarah L. Knopp
Teacher
Age: 28
Lives in: San Pedro
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“ As a seventh-year teacher in South Central L.A., I know what is needed to make real change. I’ve been a community organizer for ten years and am experienced at organizing people to advocate for changes that they want.” |
Priorities:
- Lower class size immediately.
- Advocate against the testing and accountability craze brought in by No Child Left Behind.
- Work toward desegregation of our schools. Segregation is worse than any time since 1968.
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Diane A. Lenning
Educator/Author/ Businessowner
Age: 59
Lives in: Huntington Beach
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“ I am a national education leader and former chair Republican Educators Caucus; an advocate for empowerment through education. U.S. Senatorial Medal of Freedom Award: writing, speaking, lobbying; national, state, local. Teacher for thirty years, Broad National Award-winning school district. ” |
Priorities:
- Safe schools provide the learning environment for student success.
- Control through local school boards supports community collaboration, academic progress, tutoring programs.
- Empowerment of education reduces drop-out rate, assures proficiency, prepares for work force, achieves American dream.
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Grant McMicken
Mathematics Teacher
Age: 60
Lives in: El Dorado Hills
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“ I have 25 years teaching experience and ten years experience as a computer programmer and consultant for federal, state, and private sector businesses. I know the problems confronting our children and teachers. I have solutions for many of the problems.” |
Priorities:
- Establish academic oriented, career-training programs in high schools.
- Establish a searchable database of standards-based lesson plans accessible to teachers and parents.
- Require algebra or applied business mathematics courses for HS graduation.
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Jack O’Connell
State Superintendent/Teacher
Age: 54
Lives in: San Luis Obispo
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“ I have worked in education for over 30 years as a parent, teacher, school board member, state legislator and now State Superintendent. In that time, I reduced class sizes, increased school accountability and advocated for additional resources for our kids. ” |
Priorities:
- Advocate for additional funding for our schools.
- Make school a more relevant experience and ensure our graduates are better prepared to join the workforce or succeed in higher education.
- Recruit and retain new teachers.
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