So cozy.
June 28, 2008 - Washington teacher's union backs Dorn for Superintendent (AP brief found at Mason County News)
-------------------The Washington Education Association has endorsed Randy Dorn for Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Yesterday's announcement comes about a month after the teachers' union's first candidate _ Richard Semler - dropped out of the race because of his wife's health problems.
Dorn is executive director of another union, the Public School Employees of Washington, as well as a former legislator, teacher and principal. That union and Semler also have endorsed Dorn. He will be running against current schools superintendent Terry Bergeson, who is running for a fourth term. The WEA says the state education department needs new leadership.Years ago, Bergeson was president of the teacher's union.
TT - Dorn is also a motivational speaker. His website is here. His bio is here. And HB106 examined by the Evergreen Foundation.
Semler is superintendent of the Richland Schools who dropped out of the race in May.
He became known statewide for his work with the Richland School Board advocating against the high stakes Washington Assessment of Student Learning tests, citing cost, scoring, validity and reliability issues.
His election platform also included establishing measurable learning standards, ensuring adequate funding for basic education and improving teamwork among state leaders with a hand in education funding and policy.
The Washington Education Association, which represents 81,000 educators statewide, including teachers, publicly declared a loss of trust in Bergeson at its recent annual convention.
