Governor could get to appoint state schools superintendent

State Sen. Jim Buck, R-Kokomo, the sponsor, said because education outcomes are integral to Indiana's economic growth and development, the state's chief executive officer should get to devise and implement education policy without any external impediments.

"I'm just looking forward to a period where if there's blame to be had, it's going to be in one place," Buck said. "There can't be somebody blaming the superintendent's office and another group blaming the governor."

His plan calls for the governor to appoint the state superintendent starting in 2025.

However, Buck said he expects the full Senate will revise the start date to 2021, after the term of the current elected superintendent, Republican Jennifer McCormick, expires.

Hoosier lawmakers have long debated whether to have an elected or appointed superintendent.

The question arose again due to Republican former Gov. Mike Pence and Democratic former Supt. Glenda Ritz clashing repeatedly over education policy between 2013-16.

Current GOP Gov. Eric Holcomb favors an appointed schools chief.

The Indiana Constitution only requires there be a state superintendent. The method of selection is left to the General Assembly.