MS HB491

Establishes election of State Superintendent of Public Education beginning at the 2011 general state election, with four-year terms, elected at the same time and manner as the Governor.

Until the 2011 election, the State Superintendent continues to be appointed by the State Board of Education with Senate approval; the first elected superintendent takes office in January 2012.

State Superintendent must have at least a master's degree in any field and minimum five years' experience in educational administration; compensation set at 90% of the Commissioner of Higher Education's salary.

Adds State Superintendent of Public Education to the list of state officers elected at general elections and specifies primary election filing fees of $200 for candidates seeking the office.

Requires election returns for State Superintendent to be reported separately to the Secretary of State and Speaker of the House, with vote totals broken down by House district.