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SALT LAKE CITY -- When it comes to public schools, the Utah Legislature is faced with some difficult questions regarding budgets, how to fund increasing enrollment, and other very practical questions.
At the same time, lawmakers have also chosen to wrestle with a less practical, much more philosophical question - just how the schools should be governed, and by whom. And the advocates on both sides are fueled by starkly different philosophies.
One effort would amend the state constitution to give the Governor nearly exclusive executive control over the education system, virtually eliminating the State Board of Education.
Another proposed amendment would give the Legislature statutory control over the school system, so lawmakers essentially could bypass the Board of Education by enacting specific laws.
A third effort comes at the issue from an entirely opposite perspective. Instead of consolidating power in the legislative or executive branches, this effort would return more power to the citizens, by allowing for direct election of board of education members in non-partisan races.
Sunday Edition:
Immigration legislation; Public education governance
Lawmakers explain their proposals to change who's in charge of public schools. And two Utah senators talk about bills addressing illegal immigration.That's how it worked in Utah before 1992, when the legislature created a system by which board members are selected to run for office by the governor, who chooses them from a pool of prospective candidates selected by a commission, also appointed by the governor.
Lawmakers who would vest even more control to themselves or the governor, believe such a move could lead to more operational efficiency. Some also relish the opportunity to exert more influence over curriculum and educational philosophies.
But the notion of returning to direct board elections is attractive on a number of fronts. It has the support of the public education community, and enjoys bipartisan sponsorship.
KSL believes it would make board members more accountable to the voters, and would grant citizens ultimate say over exactly what qualifications board members should have. Granting more influence over the system to the people the system serves, appears to us to be a sound approach, practically, and philosophically.
E-mail: cpsarras@ksl.com
