N.C. superintendent wants lawmakers to decide who runs public schools

Posted to: Education News North Carolina
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The Associated Press
© March 23, 2009

RALEIGH, N.C.

North Carolina's schools superintendent wants the General Assembly to clear up what she calls confusion over who runs the public education system.

June Atkinson pleaded personally to legislators meeting Monday in committee to restore authority to her job this year or to let voters decide whether her post should become an appointed position.

The superintendent of public instruction is elected statewide but has little power overseeing the system. The State Board of Education this month appointed board Chairman Bill Harrison to become chief executive officer of the schools, as requested by Gov. Beverly Perdue.

Atkinson said the voters who re-elected her in November believe she's supposed to be running the schools. Atkinson has said she's considering a lawsuit but hasn't made up her mind.

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I agree with Supt. Atkinson

Submitted by Carolyn R on Mon, 03/23/2009 at 10:46 pm.

I am not saying I supported or didn't support her. The fact is, she ran for an established office. She won. She should fill her term as Supt. of Instruction and what decision the GA makes should come into effect when her term is completed. There should be no gray area as to who is in charge.

I also believe that the Department of Education should be done away with. The brain trust that staffs this department could return to the states and more effectively enhance education based on state by state needs.

I would however support a basic minimum standard of learning across the states.