NC Superintendent Atkinson wants to know who's in charge

State School Superintendent June Atkinson is challenging the governor's decision to put a non-elected official in charge of the state public school system.

By: WNCT Staff | WNCT
Published: March 06, 2009

State School Superintendent June Atkinson is challenging the governor's decision to put a non-elected official in charge of the state public school system.

Days after her inauguration, Governor Bev Perdue announced the creation of a CEO of public schools.

Wednesday she signed a law that gives Bill Harrison, who is her pick for that job, a seat on the State Board of Education.

Finally, on Thursday Harrison was sworn in as the head of the Board of Education.

Superintendant Atkinson says she wants to know who's in charge. So, Atkinson is taking her case to a higher court to clear up the confusion.

“From my perspective, there's just two ways to clear up the murkiness of governance of higher education….one: to let the judicial system resolve the issue, or for the general assembly to change the constitution,” Atkinson said in an interview Thursday.

Atkinson says her decision is not based on personal animosity toward Bill Harrison. She says she and Harrison have known each other for years and they respect each other.