In most states, the head of the state board of education is the Chief State School Officer.

In most states, the head of the state board of education is the Chief State School Officer.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. The position is elected by the people
• D. The position is appointed by the governor

Answer: (A)

In state education governance, the policy-making work is done by the state board of education, while the Chief State School Officer serves as the top executive who runs the state education department and implements the board’s policies. Because the CSSO directs day-to-day operations, budgets, staffing, and statewide programs, they are considered the leading education official in the state. The board may have a separate chair who leads meetings, but the CSSO is the senior administrator responsible for carrying out the board’s direction across the entire education system. This arrangement is common in many states, so the statement is true.

In state education governance, the policy-making work is done by the state board of education, while the Chief State School Officer serves as the top executive who runs the state education department and implements the board’s policies. Because the CSSO directs day-to-day operations, budgets, staffing, and statewide programs, they are considered the leading education official in the state. The board may have a separate chair who leads meetings, but the CSSO is the senior administrator responsible for carrying out the board’s direction across the entire education system. This arrangement is common in many states, so the statement is true.