By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill – The Illinois House voted Monday to give the governor greater power over the State Board of Education.
The legislation--part of an agreement between Governor Rod Blagojevich and legislative leaders--aims to make the governor more accountable for public schools and reduce bureaucratic red tape.
It passed 116-1 and goes back to the Senate for agreement.
The bill would let Blagojevich replace seven of nine policymaking board members this summer and future governors the chance to replace all members while in office.
It would require the board to make five-year plans and offers school districts the chance to enter a statewide buying pool on supplies and prescription drugs.
The board also must work to implement ideas for reducing bureaucratic requirements on school districts.
(The bill is SB3000. On the Net: http://www.legis.state.il.us.)