An Illinois House committee overwhelmingly passed a resolution Wednesday that would make the state superintendent of education an elected position instead of an appointed one.
The 14-2 vote prompted lawmakers in the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee to call for public hearings across the state on the issue, instead of sending it to a full House and Senate vote. Those hearings have not been scheduled yet but likely will take place in the summer.
“We have a leadership vacuum when it comes to statewide education issues because the superintendent is appointed and does not have the authority to speak for anyone other than those who appointed him,” said Rep. Douglas Hoeft (R-Elgin), sponsor of the resolution. “An elected superintendent would have the authority of the voters, and we could finally have some discussions about the important education issues of our time.”
The move comes as the Illinois State Board of Education searches for a superintendent to replace Respicio Vazquez, who was appointed to an interim position earlier this year. Board members hope to hire a new leader by September.
According to sources, former Chicago Public Schools chief Paul Vallas met with state board Chairman Ron Gidwitz earlier this week to talk about the position.
Vallas, who narrowly lost his bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in March, would not comment but said he is weighing several job opportunities. “I don’t know what I am going to do,” Vallas said. “I am looking at a number of options.”
Gidwitz could not be reached for comment; state board officials did not return calls.
The Illinois state superintendent of education had been an elected post, but about three decades ago it became an appointed position, with the superintendent chosen by a nine-member board that is appointed by the governor. The board has been under fire from the governor and state legislators who complain that the $8 billion agency is bloated and ineffective.
More Top Picks Best Cooling Caps For Migraines