PHOENIX β Rebuffing claims she should be in charge, the Senate Education Committee voted 5-2 today to take away some of the powers that now appear to be granted to state schools chief Diane Douglas.
The legislation makes it clear that the Board of Education has the power to hire, fire and supervise its own employees. Douglas has claimed β and gone to court β to argue they report to her.
It also spells out clearly that it is the board, most of whose members are selected by the governor, sets the policy. More to the point, SB 1416 says while Douglas is elected directly by voters, her role is simply to carry out that policy.
The measure, if it becomes law, likely would resolve two pending lawsuits between Douglas and the board over the division of powers β and not the way Douglas wants. She told lawmakers their action would essentially reward the board for what she contends has been their violation of the law.
