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SALT LAKE CITY — State school board elections could move to a direct, non-partisan system under legislation advanced by the House Education Committee on Monday.
Currently, state school board applicants declare their (non-partisan) candidacy, then a governor-appointed nomination committee narrows down the list forwarded to the governor. The governor then picks two candidates per open seat, and those names are put on the November ballot and voted on by the public. There are 15 seats on the board representing different areas of the state.
Rep. Carol Moss, D-Salt Lake, is sponsoring HB264 to overhaul that system. She introduced similar legislation in 2009, but it died in Senate committee.
"The current process, I think, takes away the direct voice of the people," Moss said.
The need for a different system was not contested, but several people took issue with the charge that elections be non-partisan.
Rep. Gregory Hughes, R- Draper, said the large districts board members represent make it difficult for constituents to get to know their candidates. Hughes said that if political parties could back candidates, like in other races, it would be easier for them to get their message out.
"I'm wondering, absent a political infrastructure like a partisan race … how does this create better candidates?" Hughes asked.
Peter Cannon, a member of the Davis School Board, said he personally believes political distinctions aren't bad, and they help inform people who might know very little about the issues but are familiar with party philosophy. "They inform us," he said.
Moss said the process was moved from a direct race process to a committee process nearly two decades ago, when few candidates ran for the state board. Back then, the public was generally pleased with the education system, though, whereas now they want to be more involved to incite change, she said.
"I think times have really changed," Moss said. Holly Langton, executive director of Utahns for Public Schools, told the committee she believes candidates will be able to get their message out via technology, despite being non-partisan.
"So much about the way we communicate has changed," she said. "Informing citizens is not an issue in this day and age."
The Sutherland Institute and the Utah Taxpayers Association spoke out in opposition to the bill. The Utah Education Association spoke in favor of the bill, as did the Utah School Boards Association. It now goes on to the House floor.
Constitutional amendment
Also on Monday, the Utah Constitutional Revision Commission heard from Sen. Stuart Reid, R-Ogden, about his proposed constitutional amendment that would give the control and supervision of public and higher education to the governor.
Currently, the Utah Constitution gives control and supervision of public education to the State Board of Education.
"Some view that as a termination of the school board. I don't view it that way," Reid said. "The state school board would continue to function as it is, it just would not have that constitutional authority."
Reid did say that the governor could eliminate the board if he or she wanted, but he doesn't think that's likely.
The 15-member, independent panel appointed by the governor and Legislature is tasked with examining the Utah Constitution and any proposed amendments to it. It makes recommendations to the Legislature and the governor based on its research.
The commission decided it needed more information about Reid's proposal.
"We are not prepared to advise the Legislature at the present time on this proposal," Commissioner Byron Harward said. He noted, however, "that we're prepared to study it, and that we're anxious to study it."
If Reid's legislation fails in the House or Senate, the commission will have the chance to vet the issue. The bill is in the Senate awaiting debate and a vote.
School supplies
Also Monday, the commission unanimously recommended HJR8, a proposed amendment making it clear public school students can be asked to voluntarily bring in their own supplies.
The resolution's sponsor, Rep. Kraig Powell, R-Heber City, said the amendment would not affect students unable to or unwilling to bring their own supplies. "There is an absolute right to free public education in the state of Utah and I'm not intending to disturb that right."
Shortly after the commission adjourned, Powell's resolution passed the House Education Committee.
Proposed constitutional amendments must pass the House and Senate by two-thirds majorities then go before voters in the next general election.
E-mail: mfarmer@desnews.com
