Senate Education committee advances two gubernatorial appointments

The Senate Education Committee voted to send two gubernatorial appointments to the Senate floor with recommendations for approval: Wallace Hedrick to the Idaho Public Charter School Commission and Sean Keogh to the Idaho State Board of Education.

The committee moved and seconded the nomination of Wallace Hedrick, then voted by voice; the chair announced, “Aye. Motion carries.” The nomination of Sean Keogh was moved by Senator Woodward and seconded by Senator Nichols; the committee again used a voice vote and the chair called the motion approved.

Why it matters: Both nominations were advanced without extended debate in the committee. Sending nominations to the floor with a recommendation typically means the full Senate will consider confirmation without a negative committee recommendation, but final confirmation requires a Senate vote.

Details of actions taken: - Wallace Hedrick — nomination to the Idaho Public Charter School Commission: Motion made to send the nomination to the floor with a recommendation for approval; seconded by Senator Zito; outcome announced as approved by voice vote (“Motion carries”). - Sean Keogh — reappointment to the Idaho State Board of Education: Motion made by Senator Woodward to send the reappointment to the floor with recommendation for confirmation; seconded by Senator Nichols; approved by voice vote.

The committee did not record a roll-call tally for either voice vote in the transcript. The proceedings were described as routine by committee leadership and did not include extended discussion of either nominee.

Ending: The committee adjourned after advancing the two appointments and moving on to a print hearing on RS 31903; it said it would reconvene the following day.