What this office does: Serves a 4-year term. They oversee K-12 education administration. The office sets content and performance standards, influences teacher accreditation standards, maintains lists of accredited schools, gathers statewide education data, and inspects schools.
Why it matters: Affects statewide school oversight, accountability, standards, and education policy debates. While most day-to-day school decisions are local, this office has real influence over the statewide system.