Congrats Dr. Tony Bennett: You are the next Superintendent of Public Instruction

Fort Wayne Democrat and Fort Wayne Community Schools Board Member Kevin Brown has filed to run as write-in candidate against Republican and Democrat candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction. This only helps Dr. Tony Bennett.

UPDATE: Good commentary from Fort Wayne City Councilman Mitch Harper at his blog Fort Wayne Observed.

From the Fort Wayne News Sentinel.

Fort Wayne Community Schools board member Kevin Brown is seeking a higher stake in education – a job as state superintendent of public instruction.

Brown, a Democrat, filed Monday to run as a write-in candidate in November against Greater Clark County Schools Superintendent Tony Bennett, the Republican nominee, and Tippecanoe County Schools Superintendent Richard Wood, the Democrats’ pick.

Brown, 50, who works as a contract administrator for Dana Holding Corp., said he didn’t feel the two candidates vying to replace Suellen Reed had the experience necessary.

“Neither one of the candidates have anything to do with a huge influx of minorities,” said Brown.

He said working with a diverse district has shown him how to deal with issues smaller communities Bennett and Wood represent don’t face.

The state superintendent is responsible for implementing policy and setting a legislative agenda for education.

Brown, who was elected to the FWCS board in 2006, said his experience as an elected official gives him an edge, defining the office as a governing, not an administrative, one.

Brown, who has two years left on his term on the board, said he would resign if elected to the state post.

“Now I’ve got to get a hook so that people will remember (my name),” he said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge, and that’s what it is, a challenge.”

Reed, who served for 16 years, announced in May she would not seek a fifth term.