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RALEIGH—Thursday, Wake County School Board member John Tedesco officially announced his run for the state schools superintendent.

Tedesco said the state's suspension rate is too high. He is also concerned about poor test scores for minority students.

"Well I think it's critical at this time that the children of North Carolina have a champion. I think it's not only critical for the children, but for the state of North Carolina. If we are going to have a better education, better workforce in this state, we need better educational outcomes now. So I have decided to champion our children and make a run as the state superintendent of instruction,” said Tedesco.

Two other Republicans also plan to run in the May 8 primary election. They are Union County school board member David Scholl and Chapel Hill-Carrboro school teacher Ray Martin.

Incumbent Superintendent June Atkinson will face a challenge from state Rep. Rick Glazier of Fayetteville in the Democratic primary.