Libby Burmaster not running for re-election

Eight years was enough:

Elizabeth Burmaster, state superintendent of public instruction since 2001, said Monday that she will not seek a third term as the state’s highest ranking kindergarten-through-12th grade education official.

She's only 54 years old – not ready for pasture yet. DPI secretary is an awfully good job. Good salary, unbeatable benefits, an infinite amount of righteous indignation. And she was an absolute shoo-in to win re-election. So why would she step aside?

Burmaster, 54, said: “I want some new challenges. I don’t know what they are right now.” She indicated that she envisioned positions in which she would be “even more hands-on” in working on closing the achievement gaps between “have” and “have-not” students.

I don't believe that for a second. She's got way more power and influence over the educational system now than she will in any other position. Challenges? Her job can take whatever direction she wants it to take. As long as the voters keep re-electing her (which they will), she doesn't have a boss.

I suppose it's possible she's sick of being where she is and wants something new. We've all been there. But I'm guessing she's already got something else lined up. Something lucrative.

I wrote about her 2003 re-election campaign here.