By AP
Oklahoma City, OK – Okla. gov would appoint ed board members under bill
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A plan to give the governor more power over the state board of education has cleared a House committee.
The House Common Education Committee voted 11-4 on Tuesday for the latest version of the bill, which allows the governor to replace the seven-member board after taking office. The governor would appoint one member from each of the state's five congressional districts, plus one at-large member. The state superintendent would serve as chairman of the board.
Each member would serve four-year terms at the pleasure of the governor.
Republican leaders in the Legislature have unveiled several proposals to strip power from the board, composed of appointees of former Democratic Gov. Brad Henry. The board had a contentious first meeting in January with newly elected Republican Superintendent Janet Barresi.