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Update: Burmaster won't seek third term as state superintendent

Deputy Evers says he will run

Tamira Madsen  —  10/07/2008 7:51 pm

Elizabeth Burmaster will not run for re-election as state superintendent of public instruction next year, but plans on continuing her work in Wisconsin as an education leader.

Burmaster said she has decided to focus all of her attention on ensuring quality education for children in public schools over the next seven months instead of seeking a third term as the state's top kindergarten-to-12th grade education official. That election will take place in the spring, and Deputy State Superintendent Tony Evers says he will be one of the candidates

Burmaster said Tuesday afternoon in a telephone interview that she is passionate about making education equitable and accessible for all children and closing achievement gaps that have left minority and poor students behind. "That is my passion and has been my life's work," she said.

One of the things Burmaster said she wants to focus on during the remainder of her term is to push back against the state-imposed limits on school taxes that have forced budget cuts at school districts across the state.

"We're at a critical time with the state of the economy," she said. "Public education is stretched to the limit, and we have to work together to make public education a priority and re-invest in pre-kindergarten through 12 (education) to make sure that Wisconsin maintains its competitive edge."

There had been some speculation Burmaster was interested in running for governor if Gov. Jim Doyle didn't seek re-election in 2010, but she said that type of campaign is not in her plans.

She would not elaborate on her future career endeavors except to say, "I'm an education leader and I want to continue to serve in that capacity." She also said she will get back to working in community schools with students in a "hands-on" role.

Burmaster, 54, earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has spent the last 33 years as a teacher and administrator. Prior to becoming state superintendent in 2001, she served as a teacher and educator for 25 years in the Madison area, including nearly a decade as principal at West High School.

In the wake of her announcement, Evers, deputy state superintendent to Burmaster for the duration of her tenure, said he would seek the state superintendent position in the election this spring.

Evers, 56, ran against Burmaster for the job in 2001, lost in the primary and accepted the position as deputy.

Burmaster said she has not yet heard of any potential candidates besides Evers who will vie for the state superintendent job, but she plans on supporting Evers.

"It has been a great privilege to work with Tony Evers, and I believe he has the experience and qualities needed to be a good superintendent," Burmaster said.

Evers said he was surprised to learn about Burmaster's decision to not seek re-election, but enjoyed working with her and said the two share the same philosophical platform.

"It's been a great seven-and-a-half years," Evers said. "Her leadership is outstanding and she's tackled issues with dignity and passion. "I think her advocacy for 4-year-old kindergarten, small class sizes and connecting work place expectations with school are three really great accomplishments of her term."

Evers said public schools and libraries are central to the state's democratic ideals, and he is looking forward to promoting his objectives while campaigning for the state superintendent position.

His three top goals will be improving safety within the schools, redefining how student achievement is accessed and taking a close look at how resources are allocated to students and schools.

Tamira Madsen  —  10/07/2008 7:51 pm