Former Union President Wins Chief's Race in Wash.

By Adrienne D. Coles

The highest-profile state superintendent's race in the history of Washington state began with a crowded field of candidates vying for election and ended last week with Terry Bergeson, a longtime educator, still standing.

At one time 11 candidates were vying for the position vacated by Judith A. Billings, who is stepping down as schools chief after two terms. ( "11 Duke It Out in High-Profile Race for Schools Chief in Wash.," Sept. 11, 1996.)

After a primary reduced the field to two, Ms. Bergeson, a former teacher, principal, school administrator, and past president of the Washington Education Association, squared off against millionaire real estate developer Ron Taber. She won with 64 percent of the vote...