January 31, 2013

Dear Wyomingites,

Because you asked, I did a bit of digging on SB 104. Here's what I found.

Article 7 Sec. 1 clearly states, - "Legislature to provide for public schools."

Sec. 14 Supervision of schools entrusted to state superintendent of public instruction. The general supervision of the public schools shall be entrusted to the state superintendent of public instruction whose powers and duties shall be prescribed by law.

Therefore, whether voters like it or not, Governor Mead (the Legislature) does in fact have the Constitutional authority to "appoint" an Education Director.

Through SB 104 your Legislature is establishing original authority.

School Superintendent status as an elected state officer will be un-changed.

The education duty sorting between your Superintendent and the new "Director" will surely pose a challenge. But be assured, your Superintendent's recommendations (regarding student welfare etc.) will still bear weight.

It's likely this isn't what you wanted to learn. But, remember this, your Agricultural Director and so forth, are Governor appointees; thus follows "Education Director."

Summary: SB 104 is in keeping with Wyoming's Constitution.

Roni Bell Sylvester
Volunteer Editor www.LandAndWaterUSA.com
cc: Governor Mead, Rep. Sue Wallis