1. (a) After January 10, 2021, the governor shall appoint an individual to be the secretary of education.
2. (b) For purposes of Article 5, Section 10 and Article 8, Section 8 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana, the secretary of education is the state superintendent of public instruction.
3. (c) The individual appointed under this section serves at the pleasure of and at a salary determined by the governor.

4. (d) An individual may not be appointed by the governor to be secretary of education under subsection (a) unless the individual:

   1. (1) has resided in Indiana for at least two (2) years before the appointment;
   2. (2) has demonstrated personal and professional leadership success, preferably in the administration of public education;
   3. (3) possesses an earned advanced degree, preferably in education or educational administration, awarded from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university; and

   4. (4) either:

      1. (A) at the time of taking office is licensed or otherwise employed as a teacher, principal, or superintendent;
      2. (B) has held a license as a teacher, superintendent, or principal, or any combination of these licenses, for at least five (5) years at any time before taking office; or

      3. (C) has a total of at least five (5) years of work experience as any of the following, or any combination of the following, before taking office:

         1. (i) Teacher.
         2. (ii) Superintendent.
         3. (iii) Principal.
         4. (iv) Executive in the field of education.
5. (e) The secretary of education is the chief executive officer of the department.

As added by P.L.219-2017, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.8-2019, SEC.16.