Business group backs Riggs for Superintendent

Republican candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction Frank Riggs received a major endorsement as early voting approaches. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry announced their support for Riggs touting his knowledge and experience for the job.

“When we considered the nominees for superintendent and their qualifications for the position, it was not a close call,” Arizona Chamber President and CEO Glenn Hamer said. “No one is more prepared to lead the state Department of Education and to serve the students and families of Arizona than Frank.”

Hamer said Riggs’ background makes him ready to tackle the state’s education challenges. “From Capitol Hill to education sector leadership to business, Frank’s proven record is one of integrity and results. Arizona’s job creators look forward to working with Frank to ensure that Arizona’s students have access to schools that will prepare them for a brighter tomorrow. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry is proud to endorse Frank Riggs.”

Riggs won a crowded primary in August, besting incumbent Superintendent Diane Douglas who has been in office since 2014.

In a statement, Riggs appreciated the support of the chamber. “The Arizona Chamber of Commerce represents the business community which has a vital interest in an educated workforce,” said Riggs. He continued that the organization is a major policy player in the state “impacting the reforms and improvements we need in Arizona K-12 education.”

Riggs served in Congress from 1991-1992 and 1995-1998. He was the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families and was the principal author of the Charter School Expansion Act of 1998, providing federal grant funds to newly formed charter schools to help defray their initial “start-up” expenses.  Recently, the Arizona Department of Education announced the Arizona Charter Schools Program received a $55 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of the grant is to hold competitive applications for school leaders who will open schools serving disadvantaged Arizona students.

Riggs is facing Democrat Kathy Hoffman in the general election. Hoffman is a former preschool teacher and speech therapist who resigned her position to run for Superintendent of Public Instruction.