Yesterday, the Wyoming Senate restored some duties to the state schools superintendent as it continues to advance that bill revamping how the state Education Department is run.

After approving several amendments, the Senate also advanced Senate File 104 yesterday. The bill is scheduled for more floor debate and what is called “Third Reading” today.

Senator John Schiffer of Kaycee (pictured) says under the original bill, the schools superintendent would be left with no authority over the state’s schools.

The Senate’s proposal would remove the elected state superintendent of public instruction as head of Wyoming’s Education Department and transfer the agency’s administrative duties to a new director to be appointed by the governor.

Supporters of the bill criticize state Superintendent Cindy Hill for failing to follow through on education accountability efforts. Hill says she’s done what lawmakers have asked her to do and is currently campaigning against the measure.