MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama's governor is urging voters to abolish the elected state school board and replace it with an appointed commission.
Gov. Kay Ivey said Monday she is encouraging every Alabamian to vote for the constitutional amendment that will go before voters next March.
Her office calls it the "Take the Lead, Alabama" initiative.
The proposal would replace the elected board with a commission. Members would be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Alabama Senate. The state superintendent would be replaced by an education secretary who would be confirmed by the Senate.
Supporters said the change is aimed at ensuring education experts are making policy decisions. Only a few states have elected state boards.
Current board member Stephanie Bell and other critics call the proposal a power grab.
