Union Leader: Public hearing scheduled for amendment to restructure DOE amid “mounting pressure”

Sen. Reagan

The Union Leader reported on yesterday’s Senate Education Committee meeting yesterday, where they announced a public hearing on the amendment to restructure the Department of Education:

At Edelbut’s request, State Sen. John Reagan, R-Deerfield, introduced the reorganization plan last week as an amendment to an unrelated education bill. Watters requested a public hearing at that time, but none was scheduled.

In the ensuing week, as word of Edelblut’s proposal became public, pressure mounted for a public hearing on the plan…

Watters on Tuesday introduced his own proposals in reaction to Edelblut’s request. One would authorize Edelblut to proceed, “with the advice of the state Board of Education and after consultation with the deputy director and affected division directors.”

The other would create a committee to study the organizational structure of the Department of Education and make recommendations for change.

“A lot of people wanted to have a public hearing and chairman Reagan thought we should do that,” said Watters afterwards. “It will be good for our process and lead to a much better result. I’ve had good conversations with the commissioner about moving forward in that direction.”

Read the full article here.