Phil Bryant on state superintendent: `she’s not in charge of public education’

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant listens to a reporter's question Tuesday in Jackson. Bryant told reporters that state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright needs to understand that "she's not in charge of public education in Mississippi. The public is," when asked about Wright's strong support for Common Core State Standards. The Associated Press/Rogelio V. Solis
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant listens to a reporter's question Tuesday in Jackson. Bryant told reporters that state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright needs to understand that "she's not in charge of public education in Mississippi. The public is," when asked about Wright's strong support for Common Core State Standards. The Associated Press/Rogelio V. Solis
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant listens to a reporter’s question Tuesday in Jackson. Bryant told reporters that state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright needs to understand that “she’s not in charge of public education in Mississippi. The public is,” when asked about Wright’s strong support for Common Core State Standards.
The Associated Press/Rogelio V. Solis

JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — Republican Gov. Phil Bryant says state Superintendent of Education Carey Wright needs to understand “she’s not in charge of public education in Mississippi. The public is.”

Bryant’s comments came Tuesday after he was asked about Wright’s strong support for Common Core State Standards, which outline what children should learn in English and math.

Most states have adopted Common Core, and Mississippi has spent years implementing it. Bryant says he believes the standards could give the federal government too much say in education.

Wright and state Board of Education chairman John Kelly say developing new standards would be expensive and could take years.

Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said Monday that he wants to appoint a group other than the state Board of Education to write different academic standards for Mississippi.