Ritz’s Office: Pence Didn’t Mention Agency Announcement
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA spokesman for the Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction claims Governor Mike Pence kept Glenda Ritz out of the loop in regard last week's announcement of a new education agency. Daniel Altman says students would benefit if Pence “would work with her, rather than around her on this vital issue.” A statement from the governor suggests his staff informed Ritz's staff before Friday's announcement. August 23, 2013
Statement of Indiana Department of Education in Response to Governor Pence's Announcement
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – In response to Governor Mike Pence's announcement that the Indiana Center for Education and Career Innovation would partner with the Indiana Department of Education, Daniel Altman, spokesman for the Indiana Department of Education issued the following statement:
“Partnerships require communication. Unfortunately, Superintendent Ritz learned about the creation of this new agency through news reports, rather than from Governor Pence. Superintendent Ritz has met with the Governor on many occasions, including as recently as two days ago. However, neither he, nor his office, mentioned the creation of this new agency until this morning.
“Superintendent Ritz remains committed to transforming Indiana's K-12 education system into one of equity and high quality for all students and she looks forward to working with all Hoosiers to achieve that goal. Last November, 1.3 million Hoosiers said that they trusted her to run the Department of Education. Hoosiers students would be better off if the Governor would work with her, rather than around her on this vital issue.”
Source: The Indiana Department of Education
August 23, 2013
Statement From Governor Mike Pence's Office in Response to Department of Education
Governor Pence considers education and workforce development to be of the highest importance and will continue to collaborate with other departments of state government to ensure the best outcomes for our children and Hoosier adults in the workforce.
In that regard, the Governor instructed his staff to brief the Superintendent's office prior to today's announcement of the Center for Education and Career Innovation. As records reflect, the staff did inform the Superintendent's staff prior to the announcement. Staff also briefed other elected officials in the same manner.
Governor Pence communicated that he was considering a reorganization of a number of agencies under his executive branch authority in a conversation with Superintendent Ritz earlier this week.
The administration looks forward to working with Superintendent Ritz and the Department of Education as we work together to better education for the children of Indiana.
Source: Office of Indiana Governor Mike Pence