As someone who believes his path in life is largely owed to the public education he received, Superintendent Chris Reykdal has dedicated his career to ensuring all of Washington’s learners have equitable opportunities for a high-quality public education.

Since taking office in January 2017, Chris has centered OSPI’s work on equity, supporting the whole child, and providing excellent customer service and transparency to school districts, the Legislature, news media, and community members. Chris envisions a public K–12 education system where all students have access to high-quality early learning, diverse and highly skilled educators, and meaningful coursework and graduation pathways that prepare them to be successful and sustainable in their lives.

As a former teacher, soccer coach, school board director, state legislator, and executive for our state’s community and technical college system, Chris has a unique perspective of the K–12 system and how our state supports learners from preschool through postsecondary learning.

Under Chris’ leadership, the state has made significant investments in services for students with disabilities, market rate salaries for Washington’s teachers, expanding student pathways to graduation, career and technical education opportunities, dual language programs beginning in elementary school, and much more.

Since taking office, Chris has received awards for his leadership from the Association of Washington School Principals, Washington Association of School Administrators, MESA USA (Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement), and others.

Chris graduated summa cum laude from Washington State University (Go Cougs!) with a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate, and he earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill.

Chris is a lifelong learner who enjoys solving complex problems with data and research. In his free time, you can find Chris hiking, cheering on Washington’s sports teams, or seeing a movie with his family.

Chris and his wife, Kim, live in historic Tumwater with their two smart, talented, and hilarious teenagers, Carter and Kennedy.