Fox Hires Former Chenoweth Aide As Efficiency Consultant Wilson To Analyze Education Department, Write Job Descriptions In $7,500, 2-Month Contract

Superintendent of Public Instruction Anne Fox has hired U.S. Rep. Helen Chenoweth’s former Idaho staff director as a consultant to study making the Department of Education more efficient.

Fox said Fred Wilson will analyze and write job descriptions for department employees under a two-month, $7,500 contract.

Wilson, who also was U.S. Rep. Michael Crapo’s campaign manager, conducted similar studies when he served in the U.S. Air Force and for private companies, Fox said.

The state Board of Education is spending $50,000 to study the management of its office, the Education Department and Division of Vocational Education.

Four months ago, Rep. Ron Black of Twin Falls made an unsuccessful bid to slash $500,000 and 10 employees from Fox’s budget. His move came two days after his announcement that he will challenge Fox in next year’s GOP primary.

Fox contended Wilson’s work is much broader than the board consultant’s study. She said her 112-employee office has lost $400,000 in state and federal funding and eight workers during the past three years and each employee’s workload has grown.

“I visited with the governor and he thinks it’s an excellent idea to look at our operations,” she said.

Batt’s spokesman, Frank Lockwood, said the governor likes Wilson.

“But the governor isn’t in the practice of telling Dr. Fox who she should and shouldn’t hire,” he said.

Batt does not recall making the comments to Fox that she cited, Lockwood said.