Panel hears bill to take state schools chief off ballot

“Panel hears bill to take state schools chief off ballot” by Donna Gordon Blankinship
The Seattle Times
Published 2/2/2011
Retrieved 2/13/2011
Complete URL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014107319_education03.html
Intended Audience: educators, lawmakers, and the general public

Summary: Washington’s governor has proposed to create a new framework within the state’s department of education in an attempt to improve coordination between departments. In an offshoot of this proposal, lawmakers are considering the notion to turn the position of superintendent of public instruction from an elected position to that of one appointed by the governor.

Key Points: Elected vs. appointed position:
• Elected: preserves the ability of the people to elect their leaders in education; prevents any direct political influence from the governor
• Appointed: improved continuity with the lower turnover; candidates will ideally be chosen on the basis of professional ability instead of political prowess.

Relevance: Not much now, but the decision to appoint or elect the superintendent of public instruction will determine the public’s ability to vote for who they want in this position. They must decide how broken the system is, how bad it needs changing, and how much they’re willing to put this position in the governor’s hands.