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Krebs: Parents should be part of school board |
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ANNAPOLIS - At least two members of the State Board of Education would have to be parents of Maryland public school children at the time of their appointments under a bill sponsored by Del. Susan Krebs, R-District 9B. None of the 11 full members of the Board currently meet that requirement, said Mary Jo Neil, president of the Maryland Parent Teacher Association.The House Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on Krebs' bill, HB 141, Thursday afternoon. This bill isn't meant to be a criticism of the current board, just a way of giving parents a greater say in their children's education, Krebs said. It's a similar concept to putting consumers on state licensing boards, which is a common occurrence, she said. In written testimony to the committee, the board disagreed, arguing that the current system gives the governor the most of flexibility to select the right people for the job. But having a child in the public school system can be a powerful motivating factor, said Neil. "People are willing to invest more when they have something to gain," she said in testimony to the committee. Maryland's Board of Education has 11 regular members and one student member with limited voting privileges, all of whom are appointed by the governor from the general public, according to Maryland's Department of Legislative Services. Reach staff writer Justin Palk at 410-751-5909 or jpalk@lcniofmd.com. HB 141 What it would do: HB 141 would require that at least two members of the State Board of Education be parents of Maryland public school children at the time of their appointment. What it would cost: HB 141 has no effect on the state budget. Bill status: Heard Thursday before the House Ways and Means Committee. |
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