Partisan Election Proposal Back for State Board of Ed

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) A plan to tie the State Board of Education to political parties is back on Utah's Capitol Hill. The Board opposed the effort last year, and District 15 representative Debra Roberts still does:

"I think partisan politics are healthy if you have a two-party system," says Roberts. "I think we've reached the point in Utah where we no longer have a two-party system. One party has majority control and that tends to make it not quite as healthy as it ought to be. To put education in that realm would be an extremely unhealthy process."

Roberts worries the board would hinge on political loyalties rather than what's best for Utah's children.

Many Republican legislators believe electing the board through the party delegate system would make it more responsive. Those same legislators have butted heads with the State School Board this year over vouchers and math curriculum, to name a few. They also argue the political party system would result in more qualified candidates with a better understanding of the needs in their district.

"The process is broken at this point in time and needs to be looked at," says Board member Mark Cluff. "I think a partisan election would be great for the State Board. It works for our Governor, it works for the Legislature. Why not for us?"

Cluff was the only member of the State School Board to support the proposed legislation last year.

The Education Interim Committee will debate the bill tomorrow, along with a proposal to have the State School Superintendent appointed by the Governor, rather than the State Board of Education.

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