- The State Board of Education is an
elected, constitutional body that sets policy and ensures that the State
Department of Education functions effectively within the framework
developed by the state Legislature and the board. By law, the board and
the department have broad leadership functions to carry out certain
regulatory and service activities.
- Statewide oversight of education in
Nebraska began in February 1869 when the Legislature created the office
of the state superintendent of public instruction. The office was
included in the constitution of 1875. In 1917, the Legislature decided
to place the state superintendent on a non-partisan basis. In 1920, the
constitution was changed to have the superintendent serve a four-year
term beginning in 1923.
- A 1952 constitutional amendment
established a State Department of Education, which acts under the
authority of the State Board of Education. The role of state
superintendent of public instruction was transferred to the Board of
Education or the commissioner of education effective in January 1955.
- The 1967 Legislature divided the
state into eight districts, and the membership of the State Board of
Education was increased from six to eight members effective January
1969. The districts were realigned by the 1991 Legislature.
- The board is elected on a
non-partisan ballot, with one member from each district. Board members
serve four-year terms. Board members are not paid, but are reimbursed
for their expenses.
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