Pence Dissolves Controversial Education Agency

Gov. Mike Pence will sign an executive order today to dissolve his education agency, the Center for Education and Career Innovation.

The governor created the Center, also known as CECI, in August of 2013. It has been a point of controversy in relations between Pence and State Superintendent Glenda Ritz, who has said she sees the agency as a threat to her own Department of Education.

Pence says he sees this decision as the first step to get the State Board of Education working. He will sign the executive order today, and says it will likely take effect shortly after the new year.

In another controversial move, the governor also announced that he will advise the General Assembly to pass legislation allowing the State Board to elect its own chair. This means the superintendent will no longer automatically assume that position.

The governor pointed out that many of the board he appoints, including the Commission for Higher Education, elects their own chairs.