HCR 3046 Summary

• Creates a new Department of Education effective January 1, 2015, to oversee and administer all public education in North Dakota, including early childhood, K-12, and higher education.

• Establishes an eleven-member Educational Council appointed by the governor with legislative advice and consent, serving three-year terms with members receiving per diem compensation.

• Removes the elected Superintendent of Public Instruction from the state ballot and replaces it with a gubernatorially-appointed Director of the Department of Education (requiring legislative confirmation) who must hold a doctoral degree.

• Repeals the constitutional provision creating the State Board of Higher Education and modifies the Board of University and School Lands to include the new Director of Education instead of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

• Requires voter approval at the 2012 general election; Section 2 becomes effective upon approval while remaining sections take effect January 1, 2015.