Members of Washington’s largest teachers union have lodged a vote of no-confidence against state Schools Superintendent Terry Bergeson.

In the unprecedented move, the Washington Education Association voted nearly unanimously in disfavor of the 12-year incumbent over concerns about the high-stakes WASL and what members called Bergeson’s lack of leadership in addressing those concerns. The vote was cast late last week at the WEA’s annual meeting, which drew about 1,200 members to the Spokane Convention Center.

Union branches across the state have issued similar resolutions in the past weeks as part of the WEA’s effort to oust its past president in the November election. The union has endorsed Richard Semby - three other people are also running for state superintendent.

The union’s complaints about the WASL include its cost, the time it takes from other instruction, resources redirected from other subjects such as music and art, and questions over its usefulness toward improving learning.

The Class of 2008 is the first class required to pass the test to graduate. However, as Bergeson points out, that requirement was put in place by the Legislature.

(Spokesman Review)