She said scheming by some House and Senate Republicans, and certain education interest groups, to have the position of state superintendent become governor-appointed in 2021, instead of 2025 as current law requires, led her to decide that she can best help children from another position.

McCormick also attributed her decision to the structure of educational governance in Indiana, particularly how much of the authority of her elected position and the Department of Education has been shifted by state lawmakers to the un-elected State Board of Education.

"I know there's a lot more that we could offer students, but because of barriers it's a struggle," McCormick said. "It has been an honor to serve Indiana, but I will serve Indiana, I will serve students, for the rest of my life. It just may not be in this role."

Another role McCormick is giving up is State Board of Education chairwoman, a position that was stripped of nearly all meaningful authority by Statehouse Republicans when a Democrat served as state superintendent and board chairwoman between 2013 and 2016.

"My time and attention are better utilized without this unnecessary distraction," said McCormick, who will remain a member of the state school board.