Education A State Capitals Roundup

Former Schools Chief Runs to Reclaim Washington Job

By Andrew Trotter — September 21, 2004 1 min read
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Judith A. Billings, a former superintendent of public instruction in Washington state, wants her old job back.

Ms. Billings, 64, who served as schools chief from 1989 to 1996, has announced that she will run in November’s nonpartisan election for the job now held by Terry Bergeson.

Ms. Billings, a former school principal, says public education has become too focused on testing students and doesn’t have enough money.

She hopes to win the endorsement of the political action committee of the Washington Education Association, an affiliate of the National Education Association.

In April, WEA-PAC voted not to endorse either of the two other candidates: Ms. Bergeson, a former wea president, and Juanita Doyon.

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