Perdue signs first bill into law in ceremony

RALEIGH — Gov. Beverly Perdue will sign her first bill at a public ceremony in historic surroundings.

Perdue said she will sign a bill Wednesday that will allow Bill Harrison, her choice to lead the public school system, to serve on the State Board of Education. State lawmakers gave final approval to the bill Thursday.

The ceremony is scheduled for the Old House Chamber of the State Capitol Building.

Current law allows only one public schools employee to serve on the board. The bill would allow two.

Perdue wants Harrison, currently the Cumberland County schools superintendent, to sit on the state board while also serving as chief executive officer of the public school system.

Harrison is expected to be sworn in as a board member and elected chairman Thursday.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)