The History of our Public Schools
Wyandotte County, Kansas

 

 

The State Board of Education is a constitutional body as set forth in Article 6 of the Constitution of the State of Kansas. This article was the result of an amendment adopted November 8, 1966, which transferred the educational responsibilities formerly exercised by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to the State Board of Education, effective January 14, 1969. The Constitution states that the State Board of Education "shall have general supervision of public schools, educational institutions and all the educational interests of the state, except educational functions delegated by law to the State Board of Regents. The State Board of Education shall perform such other duties as may be provided by law." These duties are outlined in K.S.A. 72-7513 and K.S.A. 72-7514.

The Board consists of 10 members elected by the people at the same time that other primary and general elections of state officers are held. The regular term of office is four years and there is no limitation as to the number of terms they may serve. Each Board Member is elected from a particular district comprising four of the 40 senatorial districts of the state. Any citizen is eligible to serve on the State Board except that "no state, school district or community college officer or employee shall be a member of the State Board of Education" (K.S.A. 25-1904).

The Board has the authority to select and appoint a Commissioner of Education who serves as the Board's chief administrative officer. Also, the Board confirms the appointment of assistant commissioners, team leaders and team coordinators upon the Commissioner's recommendation.

Compulsory School Attendance

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