Photos: Glenda Ritz Sworn In As Indiana's New State Schools Chief

Newly-elected state superintendent Glenda Ritz took the oath of office before a crowd of hundreds of supporters and statewide dignitaries in the atrium of the Indiana Statehouse Saturday afternoon.

The crowd — including Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and several members of the state’s General Assembly — gave Ritz a standing ovation after Indiana Court of Appeals Chief Judge Margaret Robb administered the oath of office.

She’s the first Democrat to hold the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction since the early 1970s.

“To represent Indiana schools is an honor that has been bestowed upon me that I accept with excitement,” Ritz said, with her husband standing alongside. “I’m an educator with a passion for children among the tens of thousands of educators across our great state.”

Ellspermann said she met with Ritz during their first week in office, saying it was “good to understand her commitment to public education.”

“I think there’s much common ground, lots of opportunities,” Ellspermann told StateImpact. “Of course, education is not a Democratic or Republican issue, it’s really about how do we ensure our children have the best opportunities going forward.”