State Seeks Rehearing in Wyoming Schools Chief Case

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The state attorney general says the Wyoming Supreme Court should reconsider and reverse or at least clarify its decision in the state superintendent of public instruction case.

Attorney General Peter Michael filed a brief yesterday that argues the court's decision is ambiguous.

The court ruled 3-2 last month that a law removing the superintendent as head of the state Department of Education was unconstitutional. The superintendent remained one of five statewide elected officials.

Republican Superintendent Cindy Hill challenged the law, and the divided Supreme Court ruled that the Legislature went too far in cutting the superintendent's duties.

However, the opinion acknowledged that the Legislature can adjust the superintendent's duties.

If a rehearing is granted, the court will decide whether to stay the decision until the rehearing is decided.