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Lockhart Competes for Job as State School Superintendent

Brian Grimmett

Utah House Speaker Becky Lockhart wants to be the next state schools chief. Lockhart announced today  she’s officially applied for the position of State Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Less than a year ago, Lockhart signaled she might challenge Republican Governor Gary Herbert for his seat in 2016, but those speculations might have come too soon now that Lockhart is lining up to capture the state’s highest office in public education.  

Lockhart, who is a Registered Nurse, sent an email to members of the media Friday confirming her decision. 

“As I reach the end of my Legislative service, I have spent many hours pondering the possibilities and opportunities for me to continue to serve Utah and her residents” , she said. 

During 2014 general legislative session the Provo Republican backed a two to three hundred million dollar initiative that would put iPads or similar electronic devices in the hands of every public school student in Utah. The measure failed.

The state board of education is tasked with selecting a new superintendent. They’re expected to make a decision in October.

State School Superintendent Martell Menlove announced his retirement in March. 

Whittney Evans grew up southern Ohio and has worked in public radio since 2005. She has a communications degree from Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky, where she learned the ropes of reporting, producing and hosting. Whittney moved to Utah in 2009 where she became a reporter, producer and morning host at KCPW. Her reporting ranges from the hyper-local issues affecting Salt Lake City residents, to state-wide issues of national interest. Outside of work, she enjoys playing the guitar and getting to know the breathtaking landscape of the Mountain West.
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