Bill would change how lt. gov. is picked
A candidate for governor would be able to pick a running mate either before or after the primary election under a bill a House committee unanimously approved Tuesday. House Bill 247, sponsored by Rep. Mike Harmon, R-Danville, would require gubernatorial candidates to select a running mate no later than the second Tuesday in August. Secretary of State Trey Grayson, who oversees the state's elections, supports the concept of Harmon's bill, said Grayson spokesman Les Fugate. Now, gubernatorial candidates have to pick their running mates before the primary election. Harmon noted a gubernatorial candidate could select a running mate for lieutenant governor who competed against him or her in a primary election. A similar proposal last year was approved by the House elections committee but never received a vote by the full House.
Bill changes rules for principal picking
A bill that would give school superintendents a stronger role in choosing principals won approval from the House Education Committee after a long debate. House Bill 322 sparked a discussion Tuesday about the proper roles of superintendents and school-based decision-making councils in filling a vacancy for school principal. The committee amended the bill to allow a superintendent to narrow the number of prospects to three finalists. The school council would have three weeks to make its choice. If the council can't agree on a choice, the superintendent would select the principal. Currently, superintendents provide a broad of list of candidates to the school councils, which then make the choice. Rep. Harry Moberly, D-Richmond, said the bill strikes an "appropriate balance" between superintendents and councils. He said it will be an improvement over the current process.
Early-graduation bill clears Senate
The Senate unanimously approved a bill Tuesday that would allow talented students to graduate early from high school. Senate Bill 67, sponsored by Sen. Ken Winters, R-Murray, would allow students to fast-track their high school academics into three years instead of four and get money to pay for a year of college. The amount of money received for finishing early would be roughly what the state spends per pupil each year, now about $8,000. The bill stipulates how many credits the student must have, what courses must be taken and what grade-point average should be attained. The measure now goes to the House for its consideration.
STAFF, WIRE REPORTS
