A proposal to weaken the governor's power over education is moving ahead in the Legislature. The Senate Education Committee approved a proposal on a party-line 5-4 vote Wednesday that would establish an elective state board of education to select a superintendent to manage the Public Education Department.
The proposed constitutional amendment would reverse a school governance overhaul adopted a decade ago at the urging of former Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson. The department was placed under the control of the governor, who appoints the agency's cabinet secretary.
Democratic Sen. Michael Padilla of Albuquerque said a 10-member board would prevent a turnover in school policies with each gubernatorial election.
Republicans opposed the measure, saying it was directed at Public Education Secretary Hanna Skandera.
The measure goes to another committee for consideration.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.