(Photo courtesy of Diane Douglas)

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas

Arizona schools chief Diane Douglas is sending a warning of sorts to potential future Arizona Board of Education employees: you could be out of a job.
 
Board executive director Christine Thompson, who Douglas attempted unsuccessfully to fire earlier this year, is quitting on her own. So board President Greg Miller set up a special panel to screen applicants, even including Douglas. But she contends state law makes it up to her — and her alone — to make recommendations to the board.

Douglas said she won't participate in the panel, calling the process illegal and threatening to file another lawsuit. Press aide Charles Tack said that means whoever the board hires should be aware he or she may be removed from the position.

"If, again, the superintendent is found to be correct by the court, then that would essentially make that process invalid," said Tack. "I would have to believe, again, if it's found to be an illegal process, so, at that point, I think the issue of the person who was hired would have to come up."

Miller said he's not worried about the latest threat, citing a recent ruling by a judge in another lawsuit brought by Douglas which said board can hire and fire its own employees. And Miller said none of that is dampening interest in the job. He said more than three dozen people already have applied for the post, with a salary range of $80,000 to $100,000.

"Most of the candidates that have submitted are being made well aware of what the existing situation is and what they can expect. And we still have some highly qualified people who are very interested in pursuing that position," said Miller.

Miller also said the panel is not ignoring Douglas and is considering two names she has recommended.

"Her recommendations are being considered," said Miller.