Reykdal Won’t Seek Fourth Term as Washington Schools Chief

Two years remain in his term as Washington faces low academic proficiency and disputes over scholarships, parental rights and girls’ sports.

Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal announced in a November 9 press release that he will not seek reelection in 2028. According to the statement, he is considering another statewide office, a run for federal office or leaving elected office.

“I deeply believe in term limits,” Reykdal said.

First elected in 2016, he described serving as superintendent as one of the greatest honors of his professional life. He pointed to efforts to secure more equitable school funding and expand career and technical education.

Reykdal plans to finish his remaining two years. His stated priorities include school funding, student well-being, academic achievement and opportunities after high school. He has not announced when he will decide his next political step.

Washington’s Academic Record

His announcement comes as Washington continues to struggle with academic proficiency.

The Washington State Standard reported in June 2026 that Washington placed 31st in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s education ranking, down from 27th the previous year. In 2014, Washington ranked 20th, before Reykdal took office in 2017.

The report found that in Washington State, 70% of eighth graders were not proficient in math, and 68% of fourth graders were not proficient in reading.

Responding to the findings, OSPI chief strategy officer Katy Payne told the Washington State Standard that Washington’s test scores have improved since pandemic lows. She also argued that differences in states’ data collection can make national comparisons unfair.

Federal Scholarship Tax Credits

In an October 9 letter, Reykdal urged Gov. Bob Ferguson to reject the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, writing, “Washington cannot in good faith participate.” He cited concerns about oversight, administrative costs and federal debt.

Starting in 2027, eligible taxpayers can reduce their federal taxes by up to $1,700 by donating to approved education scholarship organizations. Scholarships can cover private school tuition or expenses such as tutoring, books, and disability services for public school students.

Supporters, including former Obama education secretary Arne Duncan, say the program would provide additional help for students. The Washington Student Success Coalition says organizations could focus on public school students and lower-income families.

Thirty states have elected to participate in the program for 2027, according to the IRS’s October 22 list. Washington is not among them.

Ferguson decides whether Washington will participate. Funding would depend on donations, but supporters say the program could provide millions of dollars in scholarships, including help for Washington public school students.

Parental Rights and Girls’ Sports

Reykdal has expressed respect for Washington’s initiative process while simultaneously urging voters to reject the ballot measures backed by Let’s Go Washington.

At a January 8 press conference, he acknowledged supporters’ right to change state law through an initiative.

“It’s about them trying to change the law. That’s a legal process,” he said, according to The Center Square. “And so, I really respect that.”

Yet, by October, he was publicly advocating against all three statewide initiatives, including measures addressing parental rights in public schools and eligibility for girls’ sports.

“You should be no on all three initiatives and let your elected representatives make laws,” Reykdal told KIRO listeners. He also called the girls’ sports measure unnecessary.

295 Districts, Statewide Influence

The state superintendent leads OSPI, which oversees public K–12 education and provides funding and guidance to Washington’s 295 school districts, giving the office broad influence over education across the state.