News-Record.com

Eddie Davis, who heads NCAE says he is running for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. From his news release:

After a great deal of dialogue and positive feedback from family, friends, colleagues, and advisors, I have reached a decision about my involvement in the election of 2008. Thus, I am announcing today that I will be a candidate for the position of State Superintendent of Public Instruction in the spring of 2008. A formal campaign launching activity will occur on Saturday, October 6 in Asheville.

I strong believe that my candidacy will bring excitement, hope, and the joy of learning to citizens from Murphy to Manteo. Using my extensive classroom teaching experiences and my advocacy skills, I will seek to reach and motivate students, parents and community leaders in order to make public education great in North Carolina. Also, I plan to use the campaign to create more respect, responsibility, and vision for the practitioners in all of our schools. I believe that my stellar 30-year teaching career makes me politically and educationally qualified to be the drum major for life-long learning for each and every student.

I will participate in the pilot program that was recently approved by the North Carolina General Assembly. This new law will place limits on the amount of campaign contributions and, thus, will make the investment into the superintendent’s contest more affordable and more equitable for regular citizens of North Carolina.

As a candidate, I will strive to serve as a positive role model for students and for all citizens. I look forward to running a clean, respectful, and issue-driven campaign.

Davis will apparently give a primary challenge to incumbent June Atkinson, who sent this news release back last week:

Today, State Superintendent June Atkinson announced that she will seek re-election. She states that her number one priority is to increase the North Carolina high school graduation rate. Recently, it was announced that the 2007 graduation rate is 69.4 percent, up from the 2006 rate of 68.3 percent. In addition, she reports that even with the increase in standards in the state’s accountability program, the growth and proficiency rates of schools are up. Schools making or exceeding growth targets grew by 17.9 percentage points from 2005-06 to 2006-07 school year.

Dr. Atkinson says, “Our students’ learning is unprecedented and the state public education system is moving in the right direction. I will continue to work with all partners — the State Board of Education, local school leaders, teachers, elected officials, businesses, professional organizations, and parents to ensure our students are prepared for a global economy. A focus on using technology in meaningful ways and developing a system of professional development will be key to improving student achievement. There is much work to be done to ensure students are prepared for the 21st century.”