![Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, chairs the State Government Administration Committee](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d76e041/2147483647/strip/true/crop/280x392+0+0/resize/880x1232!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmediad.publicbroadcasting.net%2Fp%2Fwuis%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fcard_280%2Fpublic%2F201510%2Fpic.jpg)
Top officials of the state board of education declined to appear before a House committee yesterday to answer questions about costly perks being paid to the board’s superintendent, Tony Smith. Smith was appointed byGov. BruceRauner, and receives a stipend on top of his $225,000 salary.
Representative Jack Franks, a Marengo Democrat who chairs the committee, said their absence shows disrespect and a lack of transparency.
“This is the first administration that doesn’t require its agencies to appear before committees," Franks said. "And it could not have come at a worse time for taxpayers."
Some lawmakers suggested sending the questions in a letter, but Franks said no.
“I categorically reject that request,” he said. "We’re not a friendship society; we are the General Assembly and we are the oversight committee for the State of Illinois. I cannot cross-examine a letter.”
Smith’s contract also provides that he will do annual self-evaluations before receiving salary increases.
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