Neal's appointment will certainly raise some eyebrows in political circles. Some republicans and former governors consider the JCTA the more radical wing of the state's largest teachers union, the Kentucky Education Association.

I ran into Harper on Derby Day at Churchill Downs. He told me he was still working on education issues. He didn't tell me that the governor was appointing him to the state board. Harper used education as his main campaign platform during his unsuccessful run for the GOP nomination for governor last year.

Here's the release on the state board appointments from the governor's office:

Governor Beshear Appoints Members to the Kentucky Board of Education

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 8, 2008) - Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed the following members to the Kentucky Board of Education:

Austin W. Moss, of Hopkinsville, will represent the First Supreme Court District. Since 1995, he has served as the Vice President of Human Resources at Jennie Stuart Medical Center. The appointment replaces Keith Travis, who has resigned. Moss shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term ending April 14, 2010.

Dorothy "Dorie" Z. Combs, of Richmond, will represent members-at-large. She previously served on this board from June 2002 to April 2006. Combs is a professor in the College of Education at Eastern Kentucky University. The appointment replaces Janna Vice, whose term has expired. Combs shall serve for a term expiring April 14, 2012.

Stephen B. Neal, of Louisville, will represent members-at-large. He is the executive director of the Jefferson County Teachers Association. The appointment replaces Bonnie Lash Freeman, whose term has expired. Neal shall serve for a term expiring April 14, 2012.

Billy Harper, of Paducah, will represent members-at-large. He is the president and chief executive officer of Harper Industries, Inc., and a member of the McCracken County Board of Education The appointment replaces David Rhodes, whose term has expired. Harper shall serve for a term expiring April 14, 2012.

Brigitte B. Ramsey, of Falmouth, will represent members-at-large. She is a public policy analyst for the United Way of Greater Cincinnati and a member of the Pendleton County Board of Education. The appointment replaces David Webb, whose term has expired. Ramsey shall serve for a term expiring April 14, 2012.

The Kentucky Board of Education has 12 members, with the governor appointing 11 voting members -- seven representing the Supreme Court districts and four representing the state at large. The additional non-voting member is the president of the Council on Postsecondary Education. Members serve four-year terms and are not paid, but receive modest reimbursement for expenses and travel.