Jack Herron Jr. (D)

Education: Oklahoma State University, Science Education, B.S.; University of Oklahoma, Secondary School Administration/Principalship, M.Ed.; University of Oklahoma, Curriculum Supervision and Administration, Ph.D.

Hometown: Norman, OK

What is your reason for running? "As a child, I have been private schooled, French schooled, home schooled, DOD schooled, and public schooled; education is where you find it. The great thing about the United States of America is that public schools are charged with educating ALL of the children. As an American citizen, I am committed to helping every person. I am running to become Oklahoma's next State Superintendent because I believe our education system deserves to finally be led by someone who actually has a background in education and experience as a K–12 Oklahoma public school superintendent of both small rural schools and average size districts. Also, as the only candidate with past experience managing a major department (Financial Services) at the State Department of Education, there will be no learning curve once I am elected. I already have the necessary knowledge and will be prepared with a plan to put into action the day I am elected."

Why should Oklahomans vote for you? "As a child, I have been private schooled, French schooled, home schooled, DOD schooled, and public schooled; education is where you find it. The great thing about the United States of America is that public schools are charged with educating ALL of the children. As an American citizen, I am committed to helping every person. I am running to become Oklahoma's next State Superintendent because I believe our education system deserves to finally be led by someone who actually has a background in education and experience as a K-12 Oklahoma public school superintendent of both small rural schools and average size districts. Also, as the only candidate with past experience managing a major department (Financial Services) at the State Department of Education, there will be no learning curve once I am elected. I already have the necessary knowledge and will be prepared with a plan to put into action the day I am elected."

What is your political experience? "I am not a career politician, but I am a lifetime Oklahoma educator. That being said, I did serve 1 year (July 2010—May 2011) in the Oklahoma State Department of Education as Assistant Superintendent for Financial Services. Since then, I have worked as Government Relations Director for Professional Oklahoma Educators where I support and promote issues of importance to Oklahoma educators, parents, and students through legislative action."