Born: June 27, 1917
Died: April 1, 1999
Known for: Wilson C. Riles rose from deep poverty in Louisiana to become superintendent of the California public school system and the first African American to hold statewide elective office.
Background: When Riles was young, his mother died, and shortly after, his father. Family friends took him in. Following high school, Riles moved with his foster family to Arizona where he attended Northern Arizona University. He began teaching in a segregated one-room schoolhouse, and continued working in Arizona public schools as a teacher and administrator for 12 years. Riles joined the California Department of Education in 1958, became director of compensatory education in 1965, and a deputy superintendent under then-Superintendent Max Rafferty in 1969. A year later, he ran against Rafferty and won. He was re-elected in 1974 and 1978. In 1982, Riles was defeated by Bill Honig. After leaving office, he headed his own educational consulting firm.
A highlight: Riles was known especially for developing early childhood education programs and pushing parents to become involved in schooling.
-- Anthony Sorci
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