The race for state superintendent of schools can be confusing for voters.
[img]2822|left|Mr. Tom Torlakson||no_popup[/img]Both incumbent Tom Torlakson and challenger Marshal Tuck are Democrats, and the job they are chasing often is cloaked in shadows.
When School Board President Laura Chardiet hosted a meet ‘n greet Saturday evening for Mr. Torlakson, she tipped her fedora to ousted LAUSD Supt. John Deasy in explaining her selection.
“Having worked for L.A. Unified (as an administrator) under Dr. Deasy, a supporter of revolutionizing public education, and seeing first-hand the effects of that,” she said, “I am backing Mr. Torlakson.
[img]2823|right|Ms. Laura Chardiet||no_popup[/img]“He is a revolutionary. He has very specific ideas about public education and bringing in a more corporate mindset. I just agree with that philosophy, and I trust Mr. Torlakson.”
Ms. Chardiet said the state superintendent’s position is important “because that person sets the tone for public education, and he or she is able to effectively advocate for policies such as those that Dr. Deasy favors.”