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An Act To Establish the State Board of Education as the Appointing Authority for the Commissioner of Education
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §251, sub-§1, as repealed and replaced by PL 1983, c. 123, is amended to read:
 
1. Appointment.   The commissioner shall beis appointed by the Governorstate board, subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters and to confirmation by the Legislature.
 
A.   The Governor shall include the chairman of the State Board of Education in the selection process and shall ensure that the state board has an opportunity to meet and interview the candidate or candidates.
 
B.   Within 10 days of meeting with the candidate or candidates, the state board shall deliver to the Governor its written appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate or candidates.
 
C.   The Governor shall consider the appraisal of the state board prior to posting the nomination of a candidate.
Sec. 2. 20-A MRSA §251, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1981, c. 693, §§5 and 8, is amended to read:
 
2. Term.   The commissioner shall serveserves at the pleasure of the Governorstate board.
Sec. 3. 20-A MRSA §401-A, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §47, is amended to read:
 
2. Appointing and advising commissioner.  AdvisingAppointing and advising the commissioner in the administration of all the mandated responsibilities of that position; and
Sec. 4. 20-A MRSA §405, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1981, c. 693, §§5 and 8, is amended to read:
 
2. Appointing and advisory role.   The state board shall appoint and advise the commissioner concerning matters contained in this Title.
 
SUMMARY
This bill changes the authority for appointing the Commissioner of Education from the Governor to the State Board of Education.