OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Chris Gregoire is proposing a new state Department of Education that would take over duties handled by the voter-elected state school superintendent.
Gregoire announced her plan Wednesday, part of her efforts to streamline government during the economic downturn.
Under her plan, a new Department of Education would be created, absorbing responsibilities currently held by Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn. The new department would supervise the state’s entire schooling system, from kindergarten to higher education.
A governor-appointed education secretary would head the department, alongside a state education council.
