The Wyoming House of Representatives has given initial approval to a bill that would remove key powers from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and give them to an appointed Education Director. 

The House debated the bill for almost two hours. Many representatives expressed concern that the legislature was taking power away from the voters and others were concerned about how quickly the legislature is moving to pass the bill. Lyman Republican Allen Jaggi says he’s heard from constituents who share those concerns.

“I’m not sure that’s a good perception for this body.  Are we here to serve people or are we here to just poof…here’s what we think is best and we’ll just do it,” said Jaggi.

But supporters of the legislation say that Superintendent Cindy Hill has refused to carry out legislative mandates and that’s why a change at the top is needed.  Hill has repeatedly denied those charges.  The bill will be debated two more times.