Lawmaker seeks explanation for academic standards council

      CARSON CITY -- A lawmaker said Monday he needs Gov. Bob Miller to explain why he wants to take away the authority of the elected state Board of Education to set academic standards and give it to an appointed council.
      Assembly Education Chairman Wendell Williams, D-Las Vegas, said, until the question is answered satisfactorily, he will not be able to hold a committee vote on Assembly Bill 277 to create the independent Council for the Development of Standards of Content and Performance in Education.
      The new academic standards are one component of Miller's education reform plan, outlined to lawmakers in January.
      But a majority of the 11 members of the Education Board oppose the proposal because it would usurp their authority to set academic standards.
      Williams, who held a second hearing on the measure, has been a vocal critic of the board for what he said is its failure to make progress on educational reform.
      "At this point, it's obvious the governor didn't feel it was in the best hands," he said of the standards issue.
      But Williams said it wouldn't be fair to the Education Board to vote on the measure without an explanation from Miller for the change.
      Miller, in testimony given April 7, said the council is essential because the development of standards is a highly specialized process.
      His executive assistant, Catherine Cunningham, reiterated his reasons at Monday's hearing.
      But Williams said they haven't adequately explained why the Education Board should be removed from the process.
      Prior to the hearing, a subcommittee of the Education Board voted to support Miller's bill with the change that the council be advisory only.
      Member Dave Cook broke ranks and voted in favor of Miller's proposal.
      Board member Liliam Hickey said Williams' comments were good news.
      "I think it went better than expected," she said.
      Carolyne Edwards, a lobbyist for the Clark County School District, said Miller's proposal to create the independent council is of concern to school officials across the state.
      The Colorado measure Miller modeled his legislation after was an advisory board and has apparently done the job, she said.