Exclusive | Sonja Shaw says shes ready to get to work as California superintendent, makes final plea as race heads to Election Day

Sonja Shaw feels “energized and focused” heading into Tuesday’s election and is ready to take office as California’s superintendent of public instruction, despite the job having far less power than before.The Chino Valley Unified school board president is running for superintendent against San Diego Unified school board president Richard Barrera.“Parents and families across California have made it clear they want schools that deliver real results in reading, writing and math, and that protect fairness and safety for girls,” Shaw told the California Post.“I’m grateful for the support and ready to get to work.” The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

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Never miss a story Shaw topped a 10-candidate field in June’s primary, beating Barrera by more than 250,000 votes.The Post sent both candidates the same questions, but Barrera did not respond by publication.Although the office is nonpartisan, Shaw is a Republican running in a heavily Democratic state.Asked whether she had won over undecided and Democratic voters, she said yes.“The core problems aren’t partisan,” Shaw said.

“Less than half of California students can’t read and write at grade level.Families want transparency on what’s being taught and how money is spent.

Girls deserve fair competition and dignity in their private spaces.”“Those are results issues, not party issues,” she added.Under her leadership, Shaw said, schools would prioritize “proven instruction” in reading, writing and math, with early screening and intervention for struggling students, along with “clear, honest reporting” on progress.Shaw said girls’ sports and facilities “would follow Title IX,” and resources would go to classrooms and effective teachers “instead of bureaucracy.”Trans athletes, parents’ righ...