Former superintendents weigh in on behalf of Riggs, legislative candidates

With Election Day nearing, two former state superintendents of public instruction are lending their voices to back the candidacies of education champions at the statewide and legislative levels.

Lisa Graham Keegan, who was elected Arizona state superintendent in 1998, appears in a new ad urging the election of Frank Riggs, who is seeking the same office Keegan once held.

“As a former superintendent, I know for certain Frank Riggs is far and away the most qualified to be our next superintendent,” Keegan said.

The ad, which is running on digital platforms around the state, touts Riggs’ experience as a former member of Congress and a former police officer.

“Frank has the experience that Arizona needs,” Keegan said. “Let’s face it: The Arizona Department of Education has had its challenges. Someone with Frank’s legislative, business, and education background is just what the department needs to deliver for parents and students.”

Another former superintendent, Jaime Molera, is appearing in ads supporting the reelection efforts of state Sen. Kate Brophy McGee and state Rep. Jill Norgaard.

“I’m proud to do whatever I can to help Kate and Jill get reelected,” Molera said. “When education is ranked as the number 1 or 2 issue for most voters, then I want voters to know that both Jill and Kate support the policies that will lead to higher teacher pay in a responsible way. They’re both being attacked by their opponents, but each of them supported the plan to raise teacher salaries by an average of 20 percent by 2020. They deserve reelection.”

In addition to serving as state superintendent, Molera also served two terms as president of the State Board of Education.