The State Board of Education consists of eight voting members elected at large on the state-wide ballot. Each member of the Michigan State Board of Education must be a resident of the State of Michigan and provide proof of address and U.S. citizenship in order to be considered for a position on the board. There are also two non-voting ex-officio members of the board; these are the Governor and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction is the chairman of the board.
The eight members of the Michigan State Board of Education are elected to eight-year terms. Two members are elected every two years during the general election in November. If there is a vacancy on the board, the Governor appoints someone to fill the position for the remainder of the term of the board member.
The Michigan State Board of Education elects its own officers within the board. Each officer serves a two-year term. The board also selects the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, who is the administrator for the Michigan department of Education and who acts as the chairman of the board.
Members of the Michigan State Board of Education hold meetings once each month that are open to the public. The state board education is responsible for the operations of all public education in the State of Michigan and reports directly to the legislature concerning all financial aspects of operation. State board members have the right to convene a meeting other than the regularly scheduled meetings when three voting members concur. Board members have the right to expect two days written notice of any special meetings and six days notice before regular meetings. All meetings follow Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised and all meetings, both regular and special, shall provide members with a written agenda.