Education chief

The Kansas State Board of Education has narrowed the search for education commissioner to five applicants. And imagine that, they all have education experience. One would think that would be a must. However, as the board has proved, that's not always the case.

The current vacancy was created when former education commissioner Bob Corkins resigned late last year. The appointment of Corkins angered educators across the state, and rightfully so. At the time of his appointment Corkins had no education experience. Add to that the fact that he supported school vouchers and opposed large increases in education funding. Gee, it's shocking the state's educators didn't roll out the red carpet for this guy. All in all it was a monumental bust for the board.

Why should our education commissioner have education experience? First of all, it just makes sense. Imagine walking into your job tomorrow and someone who had no experience in your industry is now your boss. Wouldn't make much sense to you either. The education commissioner is in charge of making decisions in regards to our children's education. Having some knowledge of the education system itself should be a must.

How about having the best interests of the organization you head up in mind? Mr. Corkins was for school vouchers and opposed to proper education funding. Let's hope the next commissioner understands what makes the public school system possible, namely the fact that it has students and proper funding. That being said, the commissioner must also keep spending in line. While proper funding for schools is what we need, wasteful spending would be very detrimental to the system.

And let's not forget about the crazy evolution debate that keeps rearing its ugly head. The state needs a commissioner that can hold the state's education system together no matter what decision the board makes on this issue in the future. Because we all know that this issue probably will come up again.

Board chairman Bill Wagnon said "all five of these people have solid education credentials." Based on those remarks it appears the board learned a valuable lesson from the Corkins debacle. That lesson might be to make sure the person you appoint knows what he is doing. It also could be to make sure that he or she fully supports the organization they are in charge of. Either way, it appears that our public school system will once again have a commissioner with the experience and knowledge the job requires.

- Darren Werth

Editor and publisher

PARSONS SUN