Superintendent of Public Instruction

June Atkinson* – Democrat

State superintendent of public instruction since 2005

According to the Public School Forum of N.C., her top three priorities are:
1. Increase the high school graduation rate to nearly 100 percent
2. Improve reading achievement and progress in young children
3. Pay teachers well and value their work

John Tedesco – Republican

President and CEO of the N.C. Center for Education Reform

According to the Public School Forum of N.C., his top three priorities are:
1. Expand local control and flexibility
2. Reduce bureaucratic requirements on teachers
3. Better engage families in their child’s education and provide more opportunities