Juneau -- A bill the NEA says will shift power in education "...back to Superintendents and School Boards," passed out of the House Health, Education, and Social Services Committee on Saturday. " That is exactly why I introduced the bill," said Ogan. "Our education system is no longer controlled by the public. It has become labor and salary driven. HB 129 puts "the public" back into public education."

The legislation is strongly supported by the State Association of School Boards. Ogan chose to use a written statement of the Mat-Su Superintendent to launch the legislation. " Dr. Lehman has written the most concise and compelling public statement I have ever read on the failures of public education," said Ogan.

Lehman's letter stressed the need for restoring balance between management and labor and keeping Principals following public policy. Ogan was shocked by NEA's statement that Principals should be "considered part of labor and should be able to bargain school curriculum". "If anybody wondered why the public is losing patience with our public education system, they need only listen to the testimony on this bill," said Ogan. "Principals are demanding to bargain collectively, whether the Superintendent or School Boards like it or not. How can anyone call it public education when the policy does not come from the public?" said Ogan.

HB 129, moved from HESS with no legislative opposition, and now goes to Labor and Commerce before coming to the floor of the full House for a vote.