Associated Press

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Measures that shift authority over Indiana's standardized testing and other education policy matters from Democratic state schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz have been signed into law by Republican Gov. Mike Pence.

GOP lawmakers pushed through the changes during this year's legislative session but delayed until 2017 a change in state law allowing the board dominated by Pence appointees to replace Ritz as its leader.

The actions were included in the state budget plan and a separate bill that Pence signed Thursday.

The changes also take away two of Pence's 10 appointments to the board, giving one appointment each to the Indiana House and Senate leaders.

Republicans say the changes clarify control of education policy, while Democrats maintain that it undermines the will of voters who elected Ritz in 2012.

The House approved the measure 61-37 and the Senate voted 31-17, with a handful of Republicans breaking rank in both chambers to join with Democrats in opposition.

The new board of 11 people, who would be selected later this year, would include eight members appointed by the governor and individual members representing the House, the Senate and the state schools superintendent.

The new board overhaul also adds Pence's State Board of Education as a "state educational authority" along with Ritz's Department of Education for purposes of accessing sensitive student data.

Ritz would remain as chairman of the Board of Education until after the 2016 elections, at which time the chairman would be chosen by a majority of board members.

Star reporter Tom LoBianco contributed to this story.