I am going full-speed ahead to fight for our kids and to talk with Californians about the need to reinvest in our education system. I believe the public schools in every neighborhood should be safe and provide a high quality education. Parents should not have to shop around for schools in other areas. Education is--and must be--a local, neighborhood priority.

On Saturday, February 6, I will be participating in the California Young Democrats Bay Area Statewide Candidates Forum. The entire forum runs from 1-4 p.m. at SEIU Local 87, 240 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco. I expect to be speaking from around 2:15-2:35 p.m. If you are unable to attend in person, you can watch on-line by clicking here. More information about the forum is available here.

Hi Friends!

I want to share my appreciation with everyone who has expressed their concern and offered me their best wishes over the past few days. At times like this, I realize how blessed I am with caring friends and family!

Many of you heard about a “Tuesday surprise” I had earlier this week. While running early in the morning, I felt a discomfort in my chest and thought it was a residual effect from a cold I had combined with the cold air. 

Tom is pleased to announce the release of the first 60-second video in support of his campaign for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The spot focuses on what powers California's high tech economy: its people. It explains Tom's experience in education, including his time as a teacher in Mt. Diablo's Unified School District.

It also explains some of the key elements of Tom's plan to return California's educational system to among the top rank in the nation.

Tom is proud to announce that he has received the endorsement of the California Professional Firefighters in the State Superintendent of Public Instruction campaign.

The California Professional Firefighters (CPF) has more than 30,000 members and over 170 local affiliates. It is the largest statewide organization dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of career firefighters.

In his interview with their leadership, Tom discussed their shared priorities for safe schools and enhancing career technical education programs around the state. Tom has worked together with the brave men and women in the California Professional Firefighters throughout his career in public service. 

You can see the California Professional Firefighters' announcement of its statewide candidate endorsements by clicking here.

 The California Federation of Teachers has endorsed Tom Torlakson for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

"Of all the candidates for this office, the California Federation of Teachers believes Tom Torlakson is the one who has the integrity, intelligence, and experience to be an outstanding Superintendent of Public Instruction," said California Federation of Teachers Political Director Kenneth Burt. "We look forward to working with you on issues pertaining to California's education system and protecting the interest of working families."

"As a former member of the California Federation of Teachers, I am so pleased to receive this important endorsement of my campaign," said Torlakson, who began his career in public service as a high school teacher and coach. "I know how hard members of the California Federation of Teachers work each day to help each of our children succeed."

You can read the entire press release about this announcement by clicking here. 

Tom's campaign for State Superintendent of Public Instruction formally kicked off with a luncheon on April 3 in Concord. The luncheon's keynote speaker was former SPI Delaine Eastin, who made a passionate speech about the importance of education and investing in our children.

Eastin's call for action urged Californians to make our children our top priority again, noting that wise leaders in the past have made these investments even in difficult economic times or times of war. She also endorsed Tom's campaign for SPI, saying, "I think the state of California needs a Superintendent of Public Instruction who is for children. So I am here to endorse Tom Torlakson as State Superintendent of Public Instruction in California."

Former State Senator Betty Karnette announced on February 4 that she will end her candidacy for State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) and endorse Tom Torlakson.

"My goal is and has always been to give students a good start in life. I understand the education system as a lawmaker and as a teacher and I have full confidence that Tom is the candidate we can all count on to make the improvements we need," Karnette said. "I trust him."

"I am deeply honored to have Betty Karnette’s support for State Superintendent of Public Instruction," said Torlakson. "Her achievements on behalf of students are a personal inspiration, and her support means the world to me."

Click here to read more of Karnette's press release.

Tom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell have authored a commentary about the school meal program crisis in the January 30 San Francisco Chronicle. You can read the article by clicking here.