The governor's decision to dispose of California's Secretary of Education office has been applauded by many local school officials.

Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed 2011-12 state budget released Monday estimated it would save $1.9 million by eliminating the office that was created two decades ago.

Brown said he is eliminating the position to make good on a campaign promise to cut government spending.

"There has never been a true need for this position," said Gary Rapkin, superintendent of Bonita Unified School District, which includes schools in San Dimas and La Verne. "It was created for political reasons and it did not