Pence backs proposed shifting of school authority from Ritz

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Republican Gov. Mike Pence says he's supporting a push in the final hours of the Indiana legislative session that would shift authority over the state's private school voucher program away from Democratic state schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz.

Pence met privately Wednesday with Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma over the state budget and other issues. Lawmakers face an adjournment deadline Wednesday night.

Pence has pushed for changing state law to allow his State Board of Education appointees to replace Ritz as their leader.

GOP lawmakers have proposed pushing back that change until 2017, but would give the board more power over the voucher program and charter school funding. Ritz has opposed both programs.

Pence says the Board of Education is the proper body to oversee the voucher and charter programs.