Monday, February 11, 2008

The school leadership power struggle in Maryland ended in a truce last week when Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) called off an effort in the legislature to help him oust State Schools Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick.

The episode spotlighted varying ways in which state schools chiefs are chosen.

In Maryland and 22 other states, the schools chief is chosen by the state board of education, according to the Council of Chief State School Officers. The Maryland board is appointed by the governor, but its members serve staggered terms, limiting the influence of a new governor such as O'Malley. Grasmick has served since 1991.

In Virginia and 12 other states, the governor chooses. Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) appointed Billy K. Cannaday Jr. to a four-year term as superintendent of public instruction in 2006.

In a few of the above 36 states, the gubernatorial or state board appointment power is subject to confirmation.

In 14 states, voters elect a schools chief. The longest-serving superintendent, North Dakota's Wayne G. Sanstead, was first elected in 1984 and took office in 1985.

In the District, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) last year named Deborah A. Gist state superintendent of education. She had played a similar role in the District with other titles since 2004.

Even though the District is not a state, Gist has duties like those of other state schools chiefs. Her post is separate from the day-to-day operations of schools under D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee.