Republicans Make A Move To Remove Ritz As Chair Of Board Of Education

The House Education Committee voted in favor of a bill Thursday that could remove State Superintendent Glenda Ritz from her position as the chair of the State Board of Education.

If the bill passes, the state superintendent would not automatically serve as chair of the state board of education, but would still remain a board member.

Brookville Republican Rep. Jud McMillan authored the bill, and says he hopes by removing Ritz as head of the board, some of the dysfunction between Ritz and the board could be resolved, letting the group focus on education policy.

Ritz says she’s known since she took office that Gov. Mike Pence and his staff wanted to remove her from this position, but this bill isn’t the answer.

“This political power move of House Bill 1609 and other similar bills is unnecessary and will do nothing to resolve the real governance issues that this policy making body must address,” Ritz said.

Ritz is a Democrat and the rest of the state board was appointed by Pence and fromer Gov. Mitch Daniels, both Republicans.

If passed, the board would choose the chair from among its own ranks. The bill now goes to the House floor.