Section 21-N:4 Duties of Commissioner.
In addition to the powers, duties and functions otherwise vested by law in the commissioner of the department of education, the office of the commissioner shall:
I. Establish the organizational goals of the department and represent the public interest in the administration of the functions of the department of education and be responsible to the governor, the general court, and the public for such administration.
II. Have the authority, subject to the approval of the governor and council, to accept gifts, contributions, and bequests of unrestricted funds from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations or institutions for the purpose of furthering the policy objectives of the department of education as set forth in RSA 21-N:1 and except as prohibited by any other provision of law.
III. Provide for a fair hearings unit within the commissioner's office which shall, when not inconsistent with federal law, conduct all hearings required under the provisions of RSA 186-C or any state or federal law or regulation. Such hearings shall be conducted as adjudicative proceedings as provided in RSA 541-A. The hearing officer, when appropriate and when not inconsistent with state or federal law, shall present proposed findings and recommendations to the commissioner who shall, upon review of the record, issue a final decision in the matter.
IV. Represent the department on boards, commissions, committees, and professional associations, or shall designate a designee.
V. Establish procedures to provide school administrative units with professional staff services, including direct services to school administrative units in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of administrative and instructional services. Such services shall include, but not be limited to, assistance in addressing problems, resolving disputes, and planning for internal reorganization; development of clearer role definitions for superintendents, assistant and associate superintendents, and school boards; and provision of resources and programs for board training and community education regarding school administrative unit functions and board and staff roles and responsibilities.
VI. Plan and apply for federal and other grants on a department-wide basis.
VII. Promote the application of educational research.
VIII. Administer the provisions of RSA 193-C relative to the statewide educational improvement and assessment program and RSA 193-E.
IX. Oversee audit and financial monitoring functions which shall:
(a) Provide analytical reports of examinations conducted of the department's various divisions, bureaus, sections, programs and functions. Examinations shall be conducted and reports prepared in accordance with standards of governmental auditing and program evaluation specified by authoritative national standard setting bodies. Reports shall contain analyses, appraisals, comments, and recommendations relating to the accuracy and competence of accounting, financial, and management procedures in use.
(b) Insure compliance with federal grant requirements and review grantee and subgrantee compliance with all department grant requirements.
(c) Not assume any managerial, supervisory, or operational function, or direct action initiated as a result of the unit's recommendations.
X. Review, on an ongoing basis, the development and administration of standards.
Source. 1986, 41:1. 1989, 49:1, 2. 1994, 379:1, eff. June 9, 1994. 1998, 389:7, eff. Oct. 1, 1998.