The superintendent was elected by the people of Oregon in a nonpartisan statewide ballot for a term of office of four years.

[3] As chief administrator, however, the superintendent had considerable influence on policy through recommendation to the Board, and certification and licensing authority.

[4][5] Under the current system, the Governor appoints a Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction to act as day-to-day administrator of the department.

[7] The law enacting the change took effect on June 29, 2012, when Susan Castillo, the last person to be elected Superintendent, resigned to take a job in the private sector.

[8][9][10] The following table lists the twenty individuals who held the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction with dates of service:[11]