Join us on Tuesday April 23, 2019 for our 8th annual STAND UP & CHEER Luncheon as Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal delivers a powerful keynote address on the importance of serving the “whole child” and the critical role Palmer Scholars plays in ensuring some of our most marginalized students have access to a post-secondary education.

Chris Reykdal was born and raised in Snohomish, Washington as the youngest of eight children. He has served as a high school history teacher, local school board member, state legislator, and budget and policy executive for our state’s community and technical college system. Chris has dedicated his entire career to public education, and he is currently serving in his first term as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Chris and his wife, Kim, live in historic Tumwater with their two children, Carter and Kennedy.

Chris graduated summa cum laude from Washington State University with a bachelor’s degree in social studies, ageology minor, and a teaching certificate. He earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill. In his role as the State Superintendent, Chris also serves on the State Board of Education, Workforce Training and Education Board, and the State Board of Natural Resources.

Chris leads a team at OSPI that is working hard to open multiple pathways to high school graduation including expanded technical education opportunities.