MS HC15

Amends Section 202 of the Mississippi Constitution to change the appointment authority for the State Superintendent of Public Education from the State Board of Education to the Governor, effective beginning with the 2015 gubernatorial election.

The State Superintendent appointed by the Governor or Governor-elect shall serve at the Governor's will and pleasure, with the first term beginning in January 2016 concurrent with the Governor's term.

Until the 2015 gubernatorial election, the State Superintendent continues to be appointed by the State Board of Education with Senate advice and consent.

The State Superintendent remains the chief administrative officer for the State Department of Education but shall administer the department in accordance with policies established by the Office of the Governor rather than the State Board of Education.

The amendment was submitted to qualified electors for approval at the November 2013 general election, with the Attorney General required to submit the resolution to federal authorities under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.