Perry's Push or Family's Call?
So why is Texas Commissioner of Education Shirley Neeley standing down? She has two answers.
By Richard Whittaker, 9:31AM, Thu. Jun. 21, 2007
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."
Got something to say on the subject? Send a letter to the editor.
A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.
Richard Whittaker, Dec. 6, 2009
Richard Whittaker, Dec. 2, 2009
Richard Whittaker, May 12, 2010
Richard Whittaker, Dec. 17, 2009
April 20, 2024
April 19, 2024
Governor's Office, State Government, Education, Rick Perry, Shirley Neely, Texas Education Agency, Texas Commissioner of Education