Who does what at DPI top in limbo

Now that elected state school superintendent June Atkinson is finally in charge of the education department, it's unclear what Gov. Beverly Perdue's hand-picked leader, William Harrison, will do.

A judge Friday ruled in favor of Atkinson, who had sued the state and the governor to win the authority to run the Department of Public Instruction.

But Harrison is still the schools CEO. 

The department makes policy for the state's 115 public school systems that serve 1.5 million students. The internal struggle comes at a time when teachers are unsure whether they will have jobs next year. The legislature is considering putting more children in each classroom and cutting positions at the education agency to save money.

Atkinson said she needs clarification of the ruling and will seek an opinion from the state Attorney General's office. But in light of the state budget crisis, she is already considering whether Harrison should become Perdue's senior education adviser rather than work at the education agency.

It could be that Atkinson will work for Harrison when he sets policy as a state board member, but he will work for her when it comes to carrying out those polices.

Harrison makes $265,000 a year as CEO, and Atkinson earns $123,198, a salary set by state law.

How the situation is resolved will depend partly on whether Perdue appeals, Atkinson said.

Perdue, though a spokeswoman, declined further comment on the issue Monday. (N&O)