(A) There is created the Education and Economic Development Coordinating Council. The council is comprised of the following members representing the geographic regions of the State and must be representative of the ethnic, gender, rural, and urban diversity of the State:

1. (1) State Superintendent of Education or his designee;
2. (2) Executive Director of the South Carolina Employment Security Commission or his designee;
3. (3) Executive Director of the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education or his designee;
4. (4) Secretary of the Department of Commerce or his designee;
5. (5) Executive Director of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce or his designee;
6. (6) Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education or his designee;

7. (7) the following members who must be appointed by the State superintendent of Education:

   1. (a) a school district superintendent;
   2. (b) a principal;
   3. (c) a school guidance counselor;
   4. (d) a teacher; and
   5. (e) the director of a career and technology center;

8. (8) the following members who must be appointed by the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education:

   1. (a) the president or provost of a research university;
   2. (b) the president or provost of a four-year college or university; and
   3. (c) the president of a technical college;
9. (9) ten representatives of business appointed by the Governor, at least one of which must represent small business. Of the representatives appointed by the Governor, five must be recommended by state-wide organizations representing business and industry. The chair is to be selected by the Governor from one of his appointees;
10. (10) Chairman of the Education Oversight Committee or his designee;
11. (11) a member from the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House; and

12. (12) a member from the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore.

    Initial appointments must be made by October 1, 2005, at which time the Governor shall call the first meeting. Appointments made by the Superintendent of Education, and the Governor are to ensure that the demographics and diversity of this State are represented.

(B) The council shall:

1. (1) advise the Department of Education on the implementation of this chapter;
2. (2) review accountability and performance measures for implementation of this chapter;
3. (3) designate and oversee the coordination and establishment of the regional centers established pursuant to Section 59-59-180.
4. (4) report annually by December first to the Governor, the General Assembly, the State Board of Education, and other appropriate governing boards on the progress, results, and compliance with the provisions of this chapter and its ability to provide a better prepared workforce and student success in postsecondary education;
5. (5) make recommendations to the Department of Education for the development and implementation of a communication and marketing plan to promote statewide awareness of the provisions of this chapter; and
6. (6) provide input to the State Board of Education and other appropriate governing boards for the promulgation of regulations to carry out the provisions of this chapter including, but not limited to, enforcement procedures, which may include monitoring and auditing functions, and addressing consequences for noncompliance.