In second try, Missouri school board fires education commissioner
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A look at the role of the Missouri Board of Education, including its major duties.
Claudette RileyBuy PhotoMissouri Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven talked to students during a visit last year to Branson High School.(Photo: Andrew Jansen/News-Leader)Buy PhotoThe five newest members of the Missouri Board of Education, including one sworn in Friday, have voted to fire the state’s top education official.Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven, hired in January 2015, was immediately out of a job.”The governor’s top-down approach runs contrary to the spirit of our constitution, turning students, teachers and our local schools into political props,” said state board president Charlie Shields, in a statement. “The confusion and chaos the governor has created does nothing to help students achieve.”He added: “Today’s firing of a dedicated public servant is disappointing but we continue to invite the governor to join teachers and educators in a serious discussion about what works, providing all schools with the resources necessary for more one-on-one attention to students, and creating well-rounded curriculum.”The firing, predicted months ago, came after unprecedented turnover on the state board. Since July 31, Gov. Eric Greitens has appointed 10 people to the board, which is set up under the Missouri Constitution to remain politically independent.”We are extremely disappointed with the decision by the state board today. The state board today effectively has made the commissioner of education a political appointee of the governor,” said Melissa Randol, executive director of the Missouri School Boards’ Association.Melissa Randol (Photo: File photo) “This is a sad day for Missouri’s public schools and the students they serve. We will continue to pursue efforts to ensure the state Board of Education remains independent and exercises its appropriate constitutional authority.”Springfield Superintendent John Jungmann, who repeatedly asked Greitens to visit the districts — and see …
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