Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the requirements for appointing members to the State Board of Education, including the creation of a Nomination Panel to provide the Governor with a list of nominees.

Highlights:

- Establishes a Nomination Panel, consisting of members appointed by majority vote of the Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State, to compile a list of 27 nominees to serve on the Board. The list must be submitted to the Governor within 60 days of the formation of the Panel, and the Governor may only select nine from that list of nominees within 30 days of receiving the list of recommendations [sec. 5 (1A-1) (c-5)]. - Requires the Governor's appointments to be ratified by a two-thirds vote in the Senate within 30 days of receiving the Governor's nomination [sec. 5 (1A-1) (c-5)]. - Requires the Panel consist of two former district superintendents, one former elementary school teacher, one former secondary school teacher, two former state legislators with experience in education appropriation, and one who has had five years of experience in a nonprofit educational agency [sec. 5 (1A-1) (c-5)]. - Specifies that when there is a vacancy on the Board, the Panel will accept applications and nominations of candidates for 30 days, and must nominate at least 3 candidates to fill the vacancy [sec. 5 (1A-1) (d)]. - Requires the Board to submit a separate budget to the General Assembly that specifies how much is necessary to fully fund all state mandates and meet the educational needs of the state [sec. 5 (1A-4) (G)]. - Requires the Board to include in its annual report to the General Assembly and Governor any recommended legislation and how far behind the federal government is on providing funding for the state under the No Child Left Behind Act [sec. 5 (1A-4) (E-5)]. - Requires the Board to include at least one former school board member, one former district superintendent, one former teacher, and one member with significant business experience [sec. 5 (1A-1) (b)]. - Specifies that three of the members' terms will expire in January 2010, another three in January 2012, and another three in January 2014, depending on their county of residence. Successor to the Board will serve six years [sec. 5 (1A-1) (b)]. - Establishes the State Board of Education Advisory Board, composed of 8 members of the General Assembly, to oversee the Board and help implement its powers and duties [sec. 5 (1A-12) (d)].

Full Bill Text