CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Board of Education President Paul Hardesty said the state Board of Education is not made up of “a bunch of unelected bureaucrats” liked they’ve been described by Gov. Patrick Morrisey.
“I take offense to that,” Hardesty said during his opening comments at Wednesday’s state BOE meeting in Charleston.
“We are appointed by a governor. We are confirmed through the advice and consent of the Senate, two branches of government, a checks and balances system, that vets each one of us before we take these seats,” Hardesty said.
Morrisey had repeatedly criticized school board members for their decision to follow decades-old state law when it comes required vaccinations before kids can be admitted to school instead of Morrisey’s executive order that allows for religious exemptions under the state’s religious freedom law.
Hardesty said Wednesday that he doesn’t know who’s right and who’s wrong but he said that’s what the judicial branch of government is for.
“I can tell you this with 100 percent certainty the chief executive does not have the right or the ability to perform the judicial branch’s function,” Hardesty said.
A handful of Raleigh County families wanting to exemptions under Morrisey’s executive order won a court hearing two weeks ago. It could be that case that eventually gets the issue before the sate Supreme Court. Hardesty said there’s no doubt that’s where it’s going.
“This issue will be determined right across the way on the third floor by five quality, competent individuals wearing black robes that have that charge as the highest court in this state,” Hardesty said. “And whatever decision they render, I may like it or I may not, but I can assure you with everything in me that this board will comply with its decision.”
Hardesty apologized for the controversy not being resolved before the school year began and then he called on Morrisey to let the dispute be settled where it needs to be settled.
“Let’s be professional. Let’s stop the name calling and let’s let the proper branch of government decide the issue,” he said.
There were several speakers at Wednesday’s school board meetings who spoke in favor of the state board’s decision to follow the current requirements. There was also a mother who spoke who criticized the board for standing in the way of Morrisey’s executive order.
Letter to Charter School Board on vax
After its executive session Wednesday, the state Board of Education approved a motion to send a letter to the Professional Charter School Board telling it to follow the state law when it comes to vaccinations for schoolkids.
“Charter schools are subject to the same immunization requirements applicable to non-charter public schools which does not recognize religious exemptions.
The charter school board heard from Gov. Morrisey’s attorney last week and decided it would allow for religious exemptions.