In her opening comments in their live debate tonight, Democratic candidate for state school superintendent Jana Jones said of her GOP opponent, Sherri Ybarra, “She has said that she will carry on and move forward Tom Luna’s recommended budget, as well as move into the office right next door to him the day after the election so he could train her on how to do the job. If you liked Tom Luna, you’re going to love Sherri Ybarra. We can't afford to have another four years of a superintendent who is well-intended but ill-prepared.” Jones said, “I know what needs to be done and more importantly I know how to do it.”

Ybarra said, “I have nearly 20 years of experience on the front lines. … I have taken a team of teachers and students from failing status to four-star status, and that’s exactly what this job is about.”