Perry's Push or Family's Call?

So why is Texas Commissioner of Education Shirley Neeley standing down? She has two answers.

Texas Commissioner of Education Shirley Neeley is resigning, but it's unclear whether she jumped or was pushed.

In the official Texas Education Agency press release issued this morning, Neeley said she was leaving to concentrate on her family. She originally intended to stay in the post until 2009 but had reconsidered her life's priorities after doctors diagnosed the return of her melanoma in May this year.

But in a letter to her staff and friends, reported by Jason Embry at the Statesman, Neeley blames Gov. Rick Perry. She cites his refusal to renew her appointment and that she felt like a "superintendent when a school board decides to take no action or not to extend their contract."

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KEYWORDS FOR THIS POST

Governor's Office, State Government, Education, Rick Perry, Shirley Neely, Texas Education Agency, Texas Commissioner of Education

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