WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE- Louisiana Association of Educators Executive Director Michael Walker-Jones says he will not step down over comments that have drawn criticism from Gov. Bobby Jindal.

Jindal called for Walker Jones' job after the union representative made controversial remarks about the governor's education reform package. Walker-Jones told a newspaper parents in poverty have "no clue" about certain educational decisions involving their children.

Today, Walker-Jones told News 2 the comments were taken out context. He also says the governor has used the comments as a distraction instead of trying to work with education leaders to develop a reform plan.

The governor is backing a legislative package that expands the school voucher program in New Orleans statewide and changes teacher performance standards. He says parents need choices when their children are stuck in failing schools.

Some critics say those types of changes have not worked in New Orleans and will cost more in the long run.