c
From Missouri Digital News: https://mdn.org
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

 MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

 MDN.ORG Mo. Digital News Missouri Digital News MDN.ORG: Mo. Digital News MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
Lobbyist Money Help  

c

Date: November 20, 2013
By: Creighton Hayes
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
(According to the Associated Press) The state's top education official worked with lobbyists to draft a proposal to end teacher tenure protection.
RunTime:  0:40
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: In a statement, the state board of education supported the Commissioner Nicastro's acts and said it's her duty to serve all members of the public.

The Political Director for the Missouri National Education Association Mark Jones says this collaboration crosses the line.

Actuality:  MJONES.WAV
Run Time:  00:16
Description: "I think it definitely raises red flags. Beyond what I would call an advisory role, when a commissioner is actually crafting education policy, for an interest group, and working with a lobbyist to re-write their language to achieve a political end."
 

Department of Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro worked with advocates of an initiative petition that would effectively end teacher tenure.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Creighton Hayes.

Intro: 
Missouri's State Board of Education supports Commissioner Nicastro in a statement after reports of her involvement with lobbyists.
RunTime:  0:33
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Reports filed out Wednesday afternoon that Commissioner Nicastro aided lobbyists in drafting an initiative petition to essentially end teacher tenure.

In a statement, the board of education supported Nicastro's acts and said it's her duty to serve all members of the public.

Political Director of the Missouri National Education Association Mark Jones says the collaboration between a state department and lobbyists raises concerns.

Actuality:  MJONES5.WAV
Run Time:  00:05
Description: "It definitely raises red flags, beyond what I would call an advice role."

Nicastro has been advising the petitioners since September of 2012.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Creighton Hayes.