(a)

1. (1) The Division of Higher Education shall administer the Teacher Opportunity Program with the policies set by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
2. (2) All formal communications shall be addressed to or signed by the Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education or the commissioner’s designee.
3. (3) The Teacher Opportunity Program Advisory Council shall provide advice to the division regarding administration of the program.

(b) Teacher Opportunity Program Advisory Council.

1. (1)

   1. (A) The Teacher Opportunity Program Advisory Council shall consist of eight (8) members.
   2. (B) The members will be appointed annually to serve a two-year staggered term by the commissioner.
   3. (C) The members of this council will consist of representatives from:

(i) Public and private postsecondary institutions with teacher education programs;

1. (ii) Public and private elementary and secondary schools; and

   1. (iii) The teacher certification section of the division.

2. (2) The commissioner or the commissioner’s designee shall:

   1. (A) Serve as the presiding officer of the Teacher Opportunity Program Advisory Council; and

   2. (B) Ensure that staff services for the council are provided.

      1. (c) The final responsibility for selecting loan recipients shall rest with the division.
      2. (d) When functioning under Acts 1983, No. 109, Acts 1987, No. 331, and any subsequent legislation, the division shall follow the provisions of the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, Arkansas Code § 25-15-201 et seq.