This bill establishes minimum qualifications for the commissioner and deputy commissioner of the department of education. Currently, the governor appoints the commissioner and deputy commissioner with the consent of the council, and they serve for a term of 4 years. The bill adds new qualifications for these positions, stating that the commissioner and deputy commissioner must hold an advanced degree from an accredited college or university, be certified as a teacher or school administrator, and have at least 5 years of combined experience in teaching or administration in a public school. These qualifications are added to the existing requirement that the commissioner and deputy commissioner be qualified to hold their positions by reason of education and experience.

The bill will take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-N:3