Wrap: Both Elementary and Higher Education Departments would combine into one entity under this resolution.

Another resolution would create a board to oversee education.

However, the board would have no additional power over the department than the current system

Cape Girardeau Republican Senator Jason Crowell says he thinks it will make Missouri Education run more efficiently.

Actuality:	CROWELL4.WAV
Run Time:	00:07
Description: "Any time I can go from a lot of government people to fewer government people, you've got my vote."

Smithville Republican Senator Luann Ridgeway countered by saying consolidation would hurt education quality.

The resolution still needs to pass through Missouri's house and a vote of the people.

From the State Capitol, I'm Nick Berry.

Wrap: Under the resolution, the Board would contain six members elected to run the Department of Education.

Cape Girardeau Republican Senator Jason Crowell says the board will be tightly controlled by Missouri's legislature.

Actuality:	CROWELL5.WAV
Run Time:	00:08
Description: "The General Assembly will still by statute give direction to this new board. This new board is not taking any new inherent power."

Without new powers, the board would have no extra authority over what are currently two independent departments.

Governor Nixon and the legislature would then choose who leads the board.

If the resolution passes through the house and a vote of the people, it would go into effect next summer.

From the State Capitol, I'm Nick Berry.