CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Board of Education Chairman Paul Hardesty says he’s offering an olive branch to Gov. Patrick Morrisey and wants to meet to talk about the future of education.
Morrisey and Hardesty have indirectly traded barbs in recent weeks. Morrisey has called members of the state Board of Education unelected bureaucrats.
Hardesty said he texted with Morrisey over the weekend and it was a pleasant exchange. He said he “most gracious.”
Hardesty said he has also texted with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and Senate President Randy Smith.
“We decided we are going to try and get together and find some things we can work one,” Hardesty said.
The system is broken, Hardesty said.
“We’re not trying to cast blame at the executive or the legislative branch, we’re not doing that,” Hardesty said on MetroNews “Talkline.” “We all have to have the realization that there are three basic components that have to be addressed and be addressed now.”
Hardesty said those three areas are the school aid funding formula, over-regulation of West Virginia schools in code and the 55-county education delivery model.
Hardesty said there must be a way for the public school and school choice models to co-exist.
He said he’s looking forward to what he believes can be productive meetings.
“I still like Patrick Morrisey, he’s the governor of West Virginia and I want him to be successful. I want West Virginia to be successful. I want our children to be successful. It’s time for all parties to put their personal interest and let’s do what’s best for the children in this state,” Hardesty said.
Hardesty also said Monday he’s looking forward to serving with new state Board of Education member Dr. James Paul who was appointed by Morrisey last week.