Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:      CONTACT: Craig Cheslog (925-708-5845)
Thursday, May 27, 2010

CONCORD--State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell announced today that he has endorsed Assemblymember Tom Torlakson in the campaign to succeed him as the chief of California's public school system. The election for the non-partisan office will take place on June 8, 2010.

"I proudly endorse Tom Torlakson to be California's next Superintendent of Public Instruction. As a teacher and education reformer in the legislature, Tom has demonstrated the energy, creativity, experience, and passion to put children first," said O'Connell. "Tom will continue the fight to reform our school system. He is a proven coalition builder, and someone I know will bring people together to improve our schools. On June 8th, I urge all Californians to cast a vote for our kids' future by voting for Tom Torlakson for Superintendent of Public Instruction."

O'Connell will be leaving office in January 2011, the end of this second four-year term, because of term limits. He has served as State Superintendent of Public Instruction since January 2003. O'Connell previously served as a member of the State Assembly (1982-1994) and State Senate (1994-2002).

"I'm very honored to receive this endorsement from Superintendent Jack O'Connell," said Torlakson. "Under Jack's leadership, we've increased student achievement during a time when our education system has suffered from deep budget cuts. As Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will work hard to build on his legacy of success."

With O'Connell's endorsement, Torlakson has earned the endorsements of the two previous State Superintendents of Public Instruction. Delaine Eastin, who held the office from 1995-2003, was featured at Torlakson's campaign kickoff in April 2009. Torlakson has also been endorsed by former California Secretary of Education David Long, who served under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Torlakson has applied his experience as a high school science teacher and high school coach to reform the way public education works as a member of the State Legislature. Torlakson has acted to improve student nutrition and physical education, give schools the funding support they need to ensure academic achievement, and reduce the dropout rate. He has also worked diligently to protect education funding.

As Superintendent for Public Instruction, Torlakson will work to ensure parents can send their children to a safe, high-quality school in their own neighborhood. He also wants to prepare our youth for the real world after high school by expanding career and technical education for high school students, protecting college-prep courses and arts and music programs, fighting to reduce the drop-out rate and close the achievement gap, and making sure the management of local school districts measures up to the highest standards of excellence.

Torlakson has also been endorsed by individuals and organizations representing nearly three million Californians. Some of Torlakson's endorsers include: the California Federation of Teachers, California School Employees Association, California Teachers Association, California Faculty Association, California Labor Federation, California State Building and Construction Trades Council, California Association of Bilingual Educators, California Nurses Association, California National Organization for Women PAC, California Professional Firefighters, California Young Democrats, California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California, Equality California, California SEIU State Council, United Food and Commercial Workers, and many other individuals and organizations. More information on Torlakson's campaign and his endorsers can be found at www.TomTorlakson.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Wednesday, April 14, 2010

CONTACT: John Shallman (818-728-4200)

CONCORD-The California Labor Federation today endorsed Assemblymember Tom Torlakson's campaign for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The election for the non-partisan office will take place on June 8, 2010.

The California Labor Federation represents from than 2.1 million union members in manufacturing, retail, construction, hospitality, public sector, health care, entertainment, and other industries from more than 1,200 AFL-CIO and Change to Win unions.

"I have been proud to have been associated with labor since my first employment experience as a Merchant Marine fireman with the Pacific Coast Marine Firemen's union, and then as a teacher member of the California Teachers Association and California Federation of Teachers. This endorsement and labor's support means a great deal to me and the supporters of my campaign," said Torlakson. "The working men and women of this state want, and need, our public education system to provide the best instruction possible so their children can gain the skills and tools needed to succeed in the 21st Century global economy."

"That is why I am fighting to ensure that every parent can send every one of their children to a safe and high quality school in their own neighborhood," added Torlakson. "I also look forward to working with union members around our state to expand career technical education and apprenticeship programs so all of our students can gain the skills needed to succeed. I also believe expanding these programs is a key element to transitioning our country to a green economy, one which can provide good-paying quality jobs for the working men and women of California."

A second-generation teacher, Torlakson has applied his experience as a high school science teacher and high school coach to reform the way public education works as a member of the State Legislature. Torlakson has acted to improve student nutrition and physical education, give schools the funding support they need to ensure academic achievement, and reduce the dropout rate. He has also worked diligently to protect education funding.

As Superintendent for Public Instruction, Torlakson will work to ensure parents can send their children to a safe, high-quality school in their own neighborhood. He also wants to prepare our youth for the real world after high school by expanding career and technical education for high school students, protecting college-prep courses and arts and music programs, fighting to reduce the drop-out rate and close the achievement gap, and making sure the management of local school districts measures up to the highest standards of excellence.

Torlakson has also been endorsed by former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin, Congressman (and former Lt. Governor) John Garamendi, Former California Secretary of Education Dave Long, California Federation of Teachers, California School Employees Association, California Teachers Association, SEIU California, California Nurses Association, California National Organization for Women PAC, California Professional Firefighters, California Young Democrats, United Food and Commercial Workers, and many other individuals and organizations. More information on Torlakson's campaign and his endorsers can be found at www.TomTorlakson.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, April 12, 2010

CONTACT: John Shallman (818-728-4200)

CONCORD--The California Nurses Association has endorsed Assemblymember Tom Torlakson's campaign for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The election for the non-partisan office will take place on June 8, 2010.

"We are endorsing Tom because we know he will fight to improve our students' health as State Superintendent of Public Instruction," said Malinda Markowitz, R.N., Co-President of the California Nurses Association and its national arm, the National Nurses Organizing Committee. "Tom knows healthy students are more likely to succeed in the classroom. He has been a leader in removing junk food from our schools, improving physical education programs, and seeking to ensure every child has access to health care."

"I want to thank the California Nurses Association for supporting my campaign and for sharing my concerns for improving student health. In my time as a teacher, coach, and policy maker, I have been committed to fighting for an education system that serves the whole child: not just their minds, but also their mental and physical wellness," said Torlakson. "We know a lack of access to health care, and its resulting chronic health problems--like diabetes and obesity--lead to more student illnesses, less time in school, and a reduced ability to absorb instruction."

"I believe the State Superintendent should be a leading advocate for our children's health because a hungry, sick, or depressed child cannot learn as well as a healthy child. That's why student health must be an education reform priority," added Torlakson. "I look forward to working with the California Nurses Association and my supporters to ensure every student in every school can have access to a school nurse, nutritious school meals, and quality physical education programs. Healthier students do better in school, so any effort to reduce the drop-out rate and achievement gap also needs to address these health issues."

A second-generation teacher, Torlakson has applied his experience as a science teacher and high school coach to reform the way public education works as a member of the State Legislature. Torlakson has acted to improve student nutrition and physical education, give schools the funding support they need to ensure academic achievement, and reduce the dropout rate. He has also worked diligently to protect education funding.

As Superintendent for Public Instruction, Torlakson will work to ensure parents can send their children to a safe, high-quality school in their own neighborhood. He also wants to prepare our youth for the real world after high school by expanding career and technical education for high school students, protecting college-prep courses and arts and music programs, fighting to reduce the drop-out rate and close the achievement gap, and making sure the management of local school districts measures up to the highest standards of excellence.

Torlakson has also been endorsed by former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin, California Federation of Teachers, California School Employees Association, California Teachers Association, California National Organization for Women PAC, California Professional Firefighters, California Young Democrats, and many other individuals and organizations. More information on Torlakson's campaign and his endorsers can be found at www.TomTorlakson.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, March 29, 2010

CONTACT: John Shallman (818-728-4200)

CONCORD--The California Teachers Association (CTA) has voted to endorse Assemblymember Tom Torlakson's campaign for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The election for the non-partisan office will take place on June 8, 2010.

The CTA has 325,000 members around the state and is the largest affiliate of the National Education Association.

"As a teacher and former CTA member, I am so honored to receive the CTA's support in the race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction," said Torlakson. "This endorsement is a great boost, not only to my campaign, but to our fight to ensure every single neighborhood school has the resources required to offer every California student a high-quality education in a safe and healthy environment."

"Tom is a teacher who has been a true champion of public education as a legislator. He has carried legislation to increase funding for textbooks, and worked with CTA to sponsor the Quality Education Investment Act, which has directed nearly $3 billion for proven classroom reforms to assist lower performing schools. CTA wholeheartedly gives its support to his campaign," said CTA President David Sanchez following the endorsement vote.

A second-generation teacher, Torlakson has applied his experience as a science teacher and high school coach to reform the way public education works as a member of the State Legislature. Torlakson has acted to improve student nutrition and physical education, give schools the funding support they need to ensure academic achievement, and reduce the dropout rate. He has also worked diligently to protect education funding.

As Superintendent for Public Instruction, Torlakson will work to ensure parents can send their children to a safe, high-quality school in their own neighborhood. He also wants to prepare our youth for the real world after high school by expanding career and technical education for high school students, protecting college-prep courses and arts and music programs, fighting to reduce the drop-out rate and close the achievement gap, and making sure the management of local school districts measures up to the highest standards of excellence.

Torlakson has also been endorsed by former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin, California Federation of Teachers, California School Employees Association, California National Organization for Women PAC, California Professional Firefighters, California Young Democrats, and many other individuals and organizations. More information on his campaign and his endorsers can be found at www.TomTorlakson.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Friday, March 26, 2010

CONTACT: John Shallman (818-728-4200)

CONCORD--The California National Organization for Women Political Action Committee (CA NOW PAC) announced today its endorsement of Assemblymember Tom Torlakson for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The primary election for the non-partisan office will take place on June 8, 2010.

"I am so honored to receive the endorsement of California NOW PAC in the race to lead California's schools," said Torlakson, a teacher and former high school track coach. "As a member, I have always been proud to support California NOW PAC's efforts to combat gender inequality and to improve the lives of women and children."

"California NOW PAC is proud to endorse Tom Torlakson because he's the candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction who will fight for neighborhood schools and full funding of education," said CA NOW PAC President Patty Bellasalma, "As a teacher and a legislator, Tom has fought to make schools high quality, healthy, and safe. He also has a long-standing record of fighting for us on issues important to women and children. That's why Tom is the best choice for California parents in the June primary."

CA NOW PAC aggressively seeks, supports, and endorses feminist candidates at local and state levels, with an ultimate goal of achieving full equality for women. CA NOW PAC is the largest state organization of feminists, both women and men.

A second-generation teacher, Torlakson has applied his experience as a science teacher and high school coach to reform the way public education works as a member of the State Legislature. Torlakson has acted to improve student nutrition and physical education, give schools the funding support they need to ensure academic achievement, and reduce the dropout rate. He has also worked diligently to protect education funding.

As Superintendent for Public Instruction, Torlakson will work to ensure parents can send their children to a safe, high-quality school in their own neighborhood. He also wants to expand career and technical education for high school students, protect college-prep courses and arts and music programs, fight to reduce the drop-out rate and close the achievement gap, and make sure the management of local school districts measures up to the highest standards of excellence.

Torlakson has also been endorsed by former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin, California Federation of Teachers, California School Employees Association, California Professonal Firefighters, California Young Democrats, and many other individuals and organizations. More information on Torlakson's campaign and his endorsers can be found at www.TomTorlakson.com.

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Torlakson kicked off his campaign for State Superintendent of Schools in Contra Costa County, where he got his start as a classroom teacher

CONCORD, CA--In a passionate speech about the importance of education in California, former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin endorsed Tom Torlakson's candidacy for her former post on Friday at his campaign kick-off luncheon, calling him "the best person for the job."

Torlakson said Eastin's endorsement is special to him because of her successes on behalf of children during her tenure as the State's School Chief. "I am deeply honored to have Delaine Eastin's support for State Superintendent of Public Instruction," said Torlakson. "Her dedication to children and teaching are a personal inspiration, and her support means the world to me."

Easton inspirational message and call to action can be viewed here. During her speech, she said, "I am here because I am for children. Flat out, the number one priority of this state, of this nation and this world should be our children. I think the State of California needs a State Superintendent of Public Instruction that is for children. So I am here to endorse Tom Torlakson as State Superintendent of Public Instruction."

Improving our state's public education system has been a top legislative priority for Torlakson, a teacher and coach for more than 25 years. Bills he has authored include a bond act for school building modernization and construction, legislation to create and expand after school programs, a measure to increase funding to our lowest income schools, and efforts to increase funding for textbooks and other instructional materials.

While a member of the State Senate, Tom ended his term as the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Tom also chaired the Senate Select Committee on Schools and Community and was a member of the Education Committee and the Transportation and Housing Committee.

Torlakson's career in public service began as a science teacher in 1972. As a teacher he served on the Antioch City Council and then went on to serve 16 years on the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors. Torlakson served two terms in the California State Assembly before being elected to the State Senate in 2000. He is currently serving his remaining term in the State Assembly.

"We have to do what is necessary to make our schools great again," said Torlakson. "We have to do it if we want to keep our economy strong. We have to do it if we want to succeed in a competitive world. Most of all, we have an obligation to our children to give them the very best we can. We really have no choice."

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