(a) With the advice and consent of the Senate, the Governor shall appoint a Secretary of Education from among not fewer than three candidates proposed by the State Board of Education. The Secretary shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
- (1) Not later than 30 days after public notification of a vacancy or anticipated vacancy in the position of Secretary of Education, the Governor shall send a letter to the Chair of the State Board of Education asking the Board to initiate the candidate selection process for a new Secretary of Education. The Governor’s letter shall include direction as to the Governor’s preferred candidate qualifications and experience.
- (2) The State Board shall begin a national search process not later than 60 days after receipt of a letter from the Governor issued pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection.
- (3) The State Board may request from the Agency of Education the funds necessary to utilize outside resources for the search process required pursuant to this subsection.
- (b) The Secretary shall report directly to the Governor and shall be a member of the Governor’s Cabinet.
- (c) At the time of appointment, the Secretary shall have expertise in education management and policy and demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
(Added 2011, No. 98 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2013; amended 2025, No. 72, § 9, eff. June 27, 2025.)