Luna Named to Romney Advisory Group

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Idaho's public schools chief has been named to a 19-member group charged with advising Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney on education issues.

Romney announced the inclusion of Tom Luna Thursday to his Education Policy Advisory Group." Romney says the education system is failing too many children and wants the panel to chart a new course for public schools. Romney says he hopes the panel will develop policy plans emphasizing school choice, accountability and access to affordable higher education.

Luna is the only state school superintendent among the group. Luna says he is excited to work with Romney and praised his work as governor for putting students first.  Luna has drawn praise and criticism for leading the charge behind a series of education reforms approved by Idaho lawmakers last year.