Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/417576
"This is good for our students' future and our profession," says Vogel, an elementary school counselor. "It means educators will continue to have meaningful input in implementation strategies of issues that matter most to those we teach and work with each and every day. It means that when policies are being considered, we will be a part of the discussion." Of the state superintendent race, Vogel says voters clearly "saw through the smoke, mirrors and millions of dollars poured into this race for Marshall Tuck by a group of billionaires and millionaires, many of whom don't live in California, who were hoping to buy the superintendent's office and push their agenda on our local schools." "Despite the fact that special interests spent $12 million in the final weeks Advocacy Election results We did it! The votes of educators and parents prevailed! By Len Feldman O V. 4 was a good election night for California's students. By re-electing Tom Torlakson as state superintendent of public instruction, voters showed once again that "public education works best when decisions about local schools are made by parents and educators in their local communities," says CTA President Dean E. Vogel. N of the race against Tom, voters rejected their corporate agenda of privatizing our schools, more standardized testing, and eliminating professional rights for educa- tors. In the end, it wasn't the money that mattered; it was the voice of teachers, support staff and parents that prevailed. We can now stay on track and continue to work together to give all students the quality education they deserve," Vogel adds. The Torlakson victory was one of many won on Election Day. Voters returned to office every single constitutional officer recommended by CTA, including Tom Torlakson, pro-education candidates elected A t l e f t , S u p e r i n t e n d e n t o f P u b l i c I n s t r u c t i o n To m To r l a k s o n t h a n k s CTA m e m b e r s f o r t h e i r s u p p o r t . A b o v e , S a c r a m e n t o C o u n t y D e m o c r a t i c P a r t y ch a i r Kerri Asbury, Tw i n R i v e r s U n i t e d E d u c a t o r s , w o r k s w i t h A r t P u l a s k i , C a l i f o r n i a L a b o r F e d e r a t i o n , o n G OT V c a m p a i g n s . 36 www.cta.org