Class Will Soon Be Let Out; Dr. Suellen Reed Set to Retire

The political rumor mill has been churning an awful lot this year and we’re only two months into 2008. But the hottest rumor of all to this point has to be whether four term incumbent Dr. Suellen Reed, Superintendent of Public Instruction, will finally step down or seek another term.

My friends, I’m here to tell you the rumors are true. She will be stepping down. Sources close to Dr. Reed inform Hoosier Access that after 16 years on the job, she’s finally used up all the chalk and setting sail towards retirement. Right now, though, our sources tell us she is working on the appropriate exit plan.

Dr. Reed hasn’t had the best relationship with Republicans over the years especially with the Indiana State Teachers Association in her back pocket. But she has survived the numerous attempts to knock her out at the State Convention by party insiders. As fellow Director Scott Fluhr has said over and over that the “floor of the Indiana State GOP convention is filled with political corpses of those that have tried (and failed) in convention floor fights against Dr. Suellen Reed” Because of this, she has earned a reputation as one of the more powerful elected officials in the state. And who can blame that reputation. She’s outlasted three different governors and is finally stepping down while serving her fourth.

So the question is begged. Who will take her place? No doubt, insiders have been introduced to Tony Bennett who is currently Superintendent for the Greater Clark Schools. He has earned the endorsement of Governor Daniels and is wracking up endorsements from County Chairmen and other political insiders statewide. It’s as if those who have yearned for the retirement of Dr. Reed can finally breathe free and help elect someone who won’t back the teachers union every step of the way. My guess is, if you haven’t seen him at your local Lincoln Day Dinner, you will soon.

That’s not to say that Dr. Reed hasn’t has her fair share of successes, including those that have pleased Republicans. She was able to finally push through (and I do mean push) all-day kindergarten much to the chagrin of many a Republican, but to the pleasure of Governor Daniels. Other than that, I fail to point to anything else, mostly because I haven’t kept up on education issues and all-day kindergarten has been the biggest education issue recently. But needless to say her relationship with her own party has been up and down at best.

So as we bid adieu to Dr. Reed, it is my hope that we can rally around Mr. Bennett as her successor. Because this is about our children’s education and their future and not about lining the pockets of ISTA.