Senate education bills would strip power from Glenda Ritz

Three bills that could usurp Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz's authority over the State Board of Education were introduced Tuesday in the Indiana Senate.

The legislation would allow the board to choose its own chair instead of falling under the de facto leadership of the state superintendent, a four-year post filled by Indiana voters. This marks the latest attempt by Republicans to wrest control of education in Indiana away from Ritz, a Democrat.

"The superintendent has a significant amount of fault in this, as well, for the way she has managed that board," said Senate President Pro TemporeDavid Long, R-Fort Wayne.

The clause allowing the board to choose its own chair would sunset in January 2016, the same year Ritz's term expires. Ritz has clashed with conservative lawmakers, board members and Gov. Mike Pence over Indiana's education policy.

The Indianapolis Star requested an interview with Ritz, but she was not available, said Dan Altman, spokesman for the Indiana Department of Education. Altman released a statement from Ritz that said:

"I look forward to dialogue regarding not only education governance but learning more about the governor's educational proposals during this legislative session."

Other than the superintendent, 10 members of the 11-person board are currently chosen through gubernatorial appointments. That would change under Senate Bills 1, 452 and 453, which would allow the board to choose its own chair but alter its makeup in different ways.

For instance, Senate Bill 1, introduced by Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, would allow the speaker of the House and Senate president pro tem to appoint two members, Senate Bill 452 would allow the superintendent to appoint one member, and Senate Bill 453 would allow the leaders of the General Assembly to appoint six members.

State Board of Education spokeswoman Lou Ann Baker said the board looks forward to working with the legislature on the proposed changes.

Multiple proposals were put before the Senate in an effort to find a solution to the consistent dysfunction of the board, Long said.

"It's not working, and it's not good for education in Indiana," he said.

Star reporter Tony Cook contributed to this story.

Call Star reporter Kris Turner at (317) 444-6047. Follow him on Twitter: @krisnturner.