RE: Question 1: Who's in charge?

CAROL LIU: I APPRECIATE YOUR LAUDING OUR MASTER PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE FOR OUR WILLINGNESS TO CONFRONT TOUGH ISSUES - IN THIS CASE, K-12 STATE GOVERNANCE. I'M LESS ENTHUSIASTIC REGARDING THE DRAFT REPORT'S RECOMMENDATION (AND YOURS) THAT WE OUGHT LODGE ALL AUTHORITY FOR K-12 EDUCATION IN THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR. 
SAD TO SAY, I FEAR THAT SUBJECTS K-12 EDUCATION WAY TOO MUCH TO POLITICS. AT LEAST NOW THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION IS ELECTED, BY THE PEOPLE, SOLELY FOR THE CHILDREN, WITH NO OTHER FOCUS NOR LOYALTIES.
I GRANT THERE'S BEEN FRICTION BETWEEN THE CURRENT AND PRIOR GOVERNOR AND THE RESPECTIVE SPI'S - HONIG AND EASTIN. YET IT BEARS NOTICEE THAT, IN EACH CASE, THE FRICTION AROSE BECAUSE THE SPI HAD THE TEMERITY TO SPEAK OUT ON BEHALF OF KIDS, WHEN THE GOVERNOR'S POSTURE WAS LESS SO FOCUSED.I'M WARY OF SILENCING THE STRONGEST VOICE ON BEHALF OF KIDS, IN FAVOR OF BUREAUCRATIC EFFICIENCY OR NEATNESS OR AN ORGANIZATIONAL CHART. AFTER ALL, THE PRIOR GOVERNOR ONLY CREATED HIS SECRETARY OF EDUCATION (WHICH THE LEGISLATURE RIGHTLY REFUSED TO AUTHORIZE BY STATUTE) BECAUSE HE COULDN'T GET THE SPI TO MOUTH HIS PROPAGANDA!
AND WITH RESPECT TO THE DRAFT REPORT, PRAY TELL, WHAT ARE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION'S NEW RESPONSIBILITIES (CF RECOMMENDATION 31.2) 'LIMITED TO STATE GOVERNANCE AND POLICY MATTERS?' 
AND SINCE THE GOVERNOR WOULD STILL APPOINT THE BOARD MEMBERS, HOW WOULD THE BOARD HAVE ANY INDEPENDENCE, ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN AND LEARNING?
AND WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION (CF RECOMMENDATION 31.1), WOULD SENATE CONFIRMATION BE REQUIRED?
THERE'S LOTS MORE HERE THAT WARRANTS CAREFUL DELIBERATION - THAN MEETS THE EYE THAT'S FOCUSED ON ORDER RATHER THAN CHILDREN.