(The Center Square) – The Iowa Senate has confirmed Mackenzie Snowe as Secretary of the Department of Education after a lengthy debate over her qualifications.
Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Snow to the post last July following the resignation of Chad Aldis, who held the position for three months.
Snow served as deputy secretary of education in Virginia and director of the New Hampshire Department of Academic Assessment, Special Education, Career Development, Adult Education, Health and Nutrition. Prior to these positions, he served as Special Assistant to the President in the White House.
advertisement
State Sen. Molly Donahue (R-Cedar Rapids) said Snow is not qualified to lead what she calls one of the most important offices in the state.
“Mackenzie Snow has talent, but it's based on policy,” Donahue said. “She would be a great addition to the Republican staff or lobbyist working on policy here on Capitol Hill. Our education system doesn't need a policy innovator, but someone who empathizes with and understands the needs of teachers and students. , we need experienced educational leaders who can directly address these issues.”
State Sen. Jeff Taylor, R-Sioux Center, said much of the opposition to Snow's nomination may be due to recently passed legislation in Congress reforming the state's local education agencies. House File 2612 would allow the Department of Education to administer her AEA. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the bill last week.
“I don't know what her (Snow) opinion was on the governor's original proposal,” Taylor said. “I'm sure she was deeply involved. But I don't know what specifically came of her ideas, whether she agreed or disagreed. But AEA reform. I don't think she should be blamed as someone who doesn't agree with how it unfolded or what it entailed.”
The Senate confirmed Snow by a vote of 34-15.
