The decision to proceed with the elections of officers of the Arizona State Board of Education at their most recent meeting has come into question. In a close vote at the January 25, meeting, which included votes by Amy Hamilton and Roger Jacks, whose terms expired on January 18, Greg Miller and Reginald Ballantyne were re-elected to their positions.
Miller and Ballantyne have earned reputations for being combative and eccentric respectively and few expected their re-election. Their chances for re-election would have been nearly impossible had the two board members had not participated in the vote, according to sources.
Governor Doug Ducey’s failure to replace Christopher Deschene, who left the board months ago to take a position in D.C. has disappointed some, however, the fact that Hamilton and Jacks were allowed to vote on leadership going forward has turned disappointment into outrage.
While State law allows an incumbent to continue to serve until his successor has been confirmed by the senate; the decision to bind future boards with actions by outgoing members is highly questionable. Ducey’s failure to name new board members in light of the fact that officers are to be elected in January has some questioning if he intended to keep the combative Miller in power.
Many see Miller as Ducey’s attack dog against duly elected Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas in his continuing campaign to usurp her of powers for his own. Ballantyne plays “yes man” to Miller, while funding the campaigns of legislators friendly to the cause.
Ballantyne, a strong supporter of Governor Janet Napolitano, was appointed to the State Board of Education by Governor Jan Brewer. The hospital executive is a former chairman of the American Hospital Association and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In his role on the board, he has fought for the preservation Common Core standards with Miller.
Sources report that the governor has quite a few solid candidates awaiting his decision. Few expect him to make selections that will serve anyone other than the chambers of commerce.