01/21/10

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ The State Board of Education wants to undo a
law forbidding spouses of Idaho university presidents from being
hired at the schools.

Mark Browning, an Ed Board spokesman, told the House Education
Committee Thursday university presidents often come with a highly
qualified spouse.

But it's hard for them to find jobs comparable to those they
left behind, especially under the existing ban.

This restriction has affected Laura Vailas, wife of Idaho State
University President Arthur Vailas and a former associate dean at
the University of Houston.

Dumping this prohibition, Browning said, would be a recruitment
tool.

But some lawmakers including Rep. Bob Nonini, a Coeur d'Alene
Republican, said such a change could put Idaho schools at risk of
nepotism charges.

The House panel voted to hold a full hearing on the bill.


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