State Board Constitutional Responsibilities

That provision of the State Constitution means, in effect, that the State Board has many direct supervisory duties in connection with local school districts and community colleges and indirect coordinating duties for the four-year state colleges and universities. Specific state laws and court decisions have detailed the Board's responsibilities and extended its supervisory powers over nonpublic education.

The eight voting members of the Michigan State Board of Education are elected at-large on the partisan statewide ballot for eight-year terms. Two are elected every two years in the general election. In addition, there are two non-voting, ex officio members -- the Governor and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, who is chairman of the Board. Any vacancies on the Board which occur between elections are filled through appointment by the Governor for the remainder of the term.

The State Board elects its own officers for two-year terms. It also selects and appoints the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, who administers the Michigan Department of Education, and the State Board Executive who directs State Board operations.