Topeka ? Two House Republicans introduced a proposal Monday to abolish the State Board of Education and replace it with a secretary of education appointed by the governor.

The measure is a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution and, if approved by two-thirds of both the House and Senate, would be put to a statewide vote Nov. 2.

Similar attempts to abolish the 10-member board have failed in the past. This year’s legislation is sponsored by Reps. John Ballou, of Gardner, and Carol Edward Beggs, of Salina.

Ballou, echoing arguments made in previous years, said education is important enough to require a Cabinet-level adviser to the governor.

Detractors sometimes describe the board as a “fourth branch” of state government because it can set education policy independently of the Legislature.

Since 1974, voters have rejected three proposed amendments to eliminate the board or to take away its power. Last year, the Senate rejected a proposed amendment to add three members, appointed by the governor, to the board.

House Speaker Pro-Tem Rep. John Ballou, R-Gardner, left, alongside Rep. Carol Beggs, R-Salina, answers questions about a proposed bill that, if passed, would abolish the State Board of Education and replace it with a secretary of education to be appointed by the governor, during a news conference Monday at the Statehouse.