Journal Times editorial: Keep state superintendent an elected office
good for them but there is little outcry over this power grad--as far as I can see.
Journal Times editorial: Keep state superintendent an elected office
15 hours ago • Journal Times Editorial Board
(7) Comments
The Republicans control the governor’s office, both houses of the Legislature and (in effect) the state Supreme Court, but one Republican isn’t satisfied. State Rep. Joe Sanfelippo, R-West Allis, is circulating for co-sponsorship a constitutional amendment to change how the superintendent is selected.
Presently, the head of the Department of Public Instruction is elected by voters for a four-year term. Tony Evers has held the position since 2009.
“Wisconsin is one of only 12 states in the country that elects its state superintendent of public schools rather than have that person appointed by the governor or state school board,” Sanfelippo said. “Nearly every other state agency in Wisconsin is led by an appointed administrator, so it makes sense to treat DPI the same so we can have a more cohesive state government.”
Sanfelippo, the Capital Times reported, said the state’s students should not be “held hostage” for four years based on the winner of a “popularity contest.”
Based on Mr. Sanfelippo’s phrasing, it could be suggested that the residents of his Assembly district are being held hostage by his winning a popularity contest. But that is what elections are.
Wisconsin’s superintendent office is nonpartisan, but elections have traditionally featured a candidate supported by Democrats and public school officials and another backed by Republicans and supporters of private-school vouchers, charters and other public school alternatives..................
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Peter Barca @PeterWBarca 8m8 minutes ago
Glad to see the @Journaltimes standing up against this GOP power grab http://journaltimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/journal-times-editorial-keep-state-superintendent-an-elected-office/article_624c6235-e74d-51e7-8c98-d69a5a7f2005.html …