State school board seat still vacant

While the new state superintendent and a non-voting member of the State Board of Education were sworn in Friday, a chair at the table remains empty.

Michael Clarke Johnsen was appointed in March by Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. Johnsen was to succeed board member Richard Moss, who left the state.

The state Senate has yet to confirm the nomination for Johnsen, 64, of Stansbury Park, near Tooele.

Board of Education Debra Roberts is frustrated over the delay, saying Dist. 3 patrons have no voice.

"We still have a large group of people in Utah who have no representation on the State Board of Education," Roberts told the Deseret News Friday.

District 3 has more than 100,000 people and includes Tooele County, as well as part of Utah County.

"I wish the Senate would either move forward or at least let us know what they are thinking and the reasoning behind their actions — or lack thereof," she said.

The Senate's confirmation committee is studying the issue since Moss sent it a letter decrying the process by which Johnsen was nominated.

It isn't known whether the legislative committee will address the issue during its next meeting on Aug. 19.

Committee member Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, told the Deseret News Friday he believes the nomination process was done too quickly and with no public input. "That really troubles me," Valentine said. "I recommend we start over."

People who qualify should have the right to apply and be considered, Valentine added. "Nobody even knew the position was open," he said. "That's not a good way to do things. There should be a transparent process."

Moss's term would have been up in 2010.

Johnsen was recommended to Huntsman by his deputy of education, Christine Kearl.

Johnsen has 40 years of experience in teaching and administration. He retired last year as superintendent of Tooele School District. He has a master's degree in education with an administrative certificate from Utah State University. He served 29 years with the Utah Army National Guard and retired at the rank of colonel. Johnsen was not available for comment Friday.

Larry Shumway, sworn in Friday, was named superintendent in May shortly after which he chose Box Elder Superintendent Martell Menlove as his assistant. Shumway succeeded Patti Harrington, who retired effective June 30.

Shumway called taking Friday's oath "a rare privilege" and "a great honor."

The new superintendent said he has been gathering input around the state. People say they want leadership with a clear direction and consistent manner, he said.

He added he wants to see all children have available to them a curriculum of high standards and relevance.

"I pledge my very best and all my energy to serving all students in the state, regardless of vocation, background, wealth, ethnicity or religion. Every student in this state deserves all we have to give them."

Also sworn in Friday was Doug Holmes. He will serve as a non-voting member of the board, representing the Utah College of Applied Technology.

e-mail: astewart@desnews.com