McAffrey: Republicans are playing politics with our children’s education
For Immediate Release
From the Campaign of State Representative Al McAffrey
Date: March 3, 2011
Contact: info@almcaffrey.com
McAffrey: Republicans are playing politics with our children’s education
Oklahoma City – This week, Republican leadership in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives brought House Bill 2139 to a vote on the floor without debate or discussion. The bill is designed to transfer the administrative control and direction of the Education Department from the Board of Education to the state schools superintendent.
Since taking office in January, the Republican superintendent, Janet Barresi, has been in a constant power struggle with the state board of education.
“Because the newly elected superintendent can’t get along with the board, her fellow Republicans in the state legislature are playing politics with our state schools,” said McAffrey. “This is nothing more than a shameful, knee-jerk reaction.”
According to the Republican legislation, the Board of Education would remain in charge of supervising public instruction, overseeing curriculum and implementing education policies set by the legislature, but the final administrative control rests with Barresi.
“I voted against this bill because our children are too important to start playing politics with their education,” said McAffrey. “Instead of trying to neuter the state board of education, Republicans need to learn to play by the rules and work within the system we have. Just because you don’t get your way doesn’t mean you pack up your toys and go home.”
Unfortunately, House Bill 2139 passed the House and is now headed to the State Senate.
