For a PDF that you can print out as an 11×17-inch poster, go to cta.org/spi.

TONY THURMOND

EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATION

He’s currently a representative in the California State Assembly with 20 years of experience as a social worker and 12 years in education, teaching life skills, civics and career training, and running after-school programs. He formerly served as a trustee on the West Contra Costa Unified School District Board.

ENDORSED BY EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS

Supported by a diverse group of educators, parents and community leaders, as well as the past three Superintendents of Public Instruction: Tom Torlakson, Jack O’Connell and Delaine Eastin. Add to that a long list of non-profit and labor organizations, as well as United Farm Workers Founder Dolores Huerta.

RECORD OF SUPPORT FOR ALL STUDENTS

He has fought for and won billions more in education funding, and has effectively worked with California’s 120 legislators and the governor to get results. Among laws he’s authored: programs to lower dropout rates and provide resources for foster youth; funding for early education; and support for dual-language programs.

OUTLAWED FOR-PROFIT CHARTERS

He wrote the law that made for-profit charter schools illegal, and worked to pass laws that would increase the transparency and accountability for all taxpayer-funded charter schools. He opposes charters’ selective enrollment policies, and discrimination against English learners and special education students.

Marshall Tuck

EXPERIENCE IN CHARTER MANAGEMENT

He’s a former Wall Street investment banker who became an adviser to former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. He served as president of Green Dot Charter Schools and was CEO of Villaraigosa’s Partnership for Los Angeles Schools (PLAS).

ENDORSED BY CORPORATE BILLIONAIRES

While Tuck pledged not to take money from corporations or Political Action Committees, seven billionaires have combined to spend more than $8.5 million on the corporate charter school champion – including three heirs of the Wal-Mart fortune, charter school funder Eli Broad and former LA Mayor Richard Riordan.

RECORD TARNISHED WITH BROKEN PROMISES

His record in managing charter schools is murky. Green Dot Public Schools and the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools (PLAS) both have long lists of unanswered questions and broken promises to communities resulting in teachers from 8 out of 10 PLAS schools issuing a vote of no confidence.

DISCIPLE OF THE CORPORATE CHARTER SCHOOL MOVEMENT

He believes in using taxpayer money to fund privately managed charter schools. And billionaires have filled his campaign coffers in the hope that he will become Superintendent of Public Instruction and accelerate the unregulated expansion of those charter schools in the name of “educational flexibility.”

Election 2018: Special Report

Follow the links below to continue reading about the election and candidates in this feature.

In It to Win It – CTA locals use their power for purpose
Running with Values – CTA members enter political races
Meet the Candidates  – Leaders aligned with our values
In Their Own Words  – Educators on why Tuck should not be SPI
Voter Guide
Initiatives to Know – CTA positions on statewide propositions
Tom Torlakson  – The outgoing schools chief on his legacy