Topeka ? Two lawmakers today said they will file a measure that would establish a secretary of education and dissolve the State Board of Education.

Under the proposal by House Speaker Pro Tem John Ballou, a Republican from Gardner, and state Rep. Carol Beggs, a Republican from Salina, the governor would appoint a secretary of education to the cabinet.

Ballou and others have said since education is such an large part of the state budget — more than 50 percent of tax dollars — the governor should have more direct control over it.

Currently, the 10-member State Board of Education is responsible for many of the regulations that govern schools. Those members are elected from districts.

Ballou’s proposal would require a change in the State Constitution. To accomplish that would require two-thirds approval in the House and Senate, and a majority of voters in a statewide vote.

For any more on this story, pick up a copy of Tuesday’s Journal-World.