Listen to the Tribune and leave the State Board of Education alone!

"It's been less than two months since the board defied the Legislature and the state attorney general by refusing to establish a school voucher program based on a bill designed to augment the original voucher bill, which was being contested. And the board's decision not to implement the questionable law has been vindicated by the Utah Supreme Court, which, in light of a successful petition drive to give voters a chance to repeal the original bill, wisely ruled that the Nov. 6 referendum would decide the fate of both bills.

But that may not stop the control freaks with the bruised egos in the Legislature from trying to exert their authority over the school board, and exact a measure of revenge next year. Already, a move is afoot to prepare bills that would strip the board of its power by allowing the governor to appoint the state superintendent of public schools, and to politicize the board by allowing political parties to choose state school board candidates."

Read the entire Tribune editorial, Political payback: Legislature should leave state board alone

Yes they can, and they did!

(Deseret News)"The State Board of Education cannot refuse to talk to us," said Senate President John L. Valentine, R-Orem, following a meeting Tuesday afternoon of top-level legislative bosses — the Executive Appropriations Committee.

But GOP legislative leaders decided to try to carry a big stick and talk softly to the 15-member, independently elected state school board, Valentine said. That decision came in a private meeting between Senate and House Republican leaders before the Executive Appropriations hearing, causing a public meeting to start 90 minutes late."

It looks like they can refuse to talk to you President Valentine, and for good reason. Not only has Republican leadership brought this voucher curse on the people of Utah at an inappropriate time, but they have also become jealous of their power, and cannot be trusted with the public education system in Utah. Thank goodness we reelected Chairman Burningham, a true public education hero.