State Superintendent of Schools

Rumors are circulating the state that Governor Blagojevich will appoint Kimberly Lightford (D) to the position of State Superintendent of Schools. Last Sunday on “At Issue” (WBBM 780) she discussed her interest in this position with reporter Craig Dellimore. Currently, Ms. Lightford serves as a Senator from the 4th District. She has served in the Senate since 1998 until the present. Senator Lightford currently serves on the following committees; Financial Institutions, Senate Committee of the Whole, Appropriations, Higher Education, Labor and was recently appointed to the new Educational Task Force. Ms. Lightford holds degrees from Western Illinois University and University of Illinois, Springfield. Other than an interest in public education and her service on committees dealing with education she has no formal background in public education or experience in public schools. Since the Governor now appoints the State Superintendent, he obviously can and will do what he pleases as he continues to manage ISBE via an underling. The appointment of Ms. Lightford may bring him additional political currency. What this appointment will bring the public schools of Illinois remains to be seen.