Former Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell Endorses Richard Barrera

Jack O’Connell, who served as California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction from 2003 to 2011, has endorsed Democrat Richard Barrera to be the next State Superintendent. He joins incumbent Tony Thurmond in supporting Barrera for an office in which they both have served.

“I am proud to stand with Richard Barrera in the upcoming election for Superintendent of Public Instruction,” says O’Connell. “More than most, I know that the job requires listening to students, families, teachers, and community about what students need and then developing consensus around the best path forward. Richard has an encyclopedic knowledge of the issues facing California’s public schools and the collaborative spirit to bring everyone to the table in the best interests of students. I urge you to give him your vote in November.”

“I am extremely proud to have earned Jack O’Connell’s endorsement,” says Barrera. “As a former school board member, he brought front line experience to the role of State Superintendent, where his work was widely respected. I hope to achieve the same level of success on behalf of students.”

Barrera, who currently serves as President of the San Diego Unified School District Board of Trustees, outpaced a large field of other Democratic candidates in the June primary to advance to November’s general election. O’Connell’s endorsement is the latest in a post-election unification of support behind Barrera, including Democratic leaders such as Senator Alex Padilla and Assembly Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon. A complete list of those endorsing Barrera can be found at https://www.barreraforedu.com/641677865886 .

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Barrera is available for one-on-one interviews. Learn more about him at https://www.barreraforedu.com/

For more information contact Dale Kelly Bankhead, 619.549.3140, dkbankhead@yahoo.com