RE: Question 1: Who's in charge?

If I were able to start from scratch, I wouldn't suggest the system we've recommended in the draft master plan.  That being said, I believe we have chosen appropriate responsibilities & roles for all the state entities.  The reality of education today is that the governor is "in charge".  Therefore, the master plan puts the department of education under the governor & allows the governor to appoint his/her own executive officer.  The elected Superintendent of Public Instruction becomes the inspector general.  He/she would hold the system accountable & be the voice of the people.  The state board of education would be the advisory board to the governor, and it would have appointees that represent all areas of the state.  I have received a suggestion that it also include the many diverse populations of the state, and I believe that would be a good idea.  This new governance system would help to alleviate the "three-headed " monster we have at the present time which makes it impossible for the practicioners and the parents to know who is accountable and who is in charge.