Proposed Bill Strips State Schools Chief of Duties

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Legislation has been proposed that would remove the Wyoming superintendent of public instruction as head of the state Department of Education.

Senate File 104 would create a new director of the agency who would be appointed by the governor.

The legislation is sponsored by both chairmen of the state House and Senate education committees and is co-sponsored by all majority and minority legislative leaders.

The measure shows the depth of distrust lawmakers have for Superintendent Cindy Hill's administration of the Education Department.

There's been open friction over the last year between lawmakers and Hill.

Lawmakers say they're anxious to see student test scores reflect the state's heavy investment in public education.

Some lawmakers say Hill's office has failed to complete some tasks of the state's ongoing education accountability effort. They say her administration has hindered the work of other boards and panels working on education reform.

Hill has said her agency has done everything required of it.