Upon election and qualification, the state superintendent-elect takes office for a four-year term on the first Monday of July next succeeding.

[4][5] Likewise, before ratification of a constitutional amendment in November 1982, the state superintendent was elected to a two-year term.

[11] The state superintendent also publishes and disseminates an array of reports, bulletins and other media for the public on K-12 education, including on school organization, attendance, management practices, and performance.

[15][16][17][18][19] Aside from his or her routine functions, the state superintendent holds an annual convention of school district administrators and CESA coordinators.

[21][22][23] During his time as governor, Tommy Thompson took major steps to transfer decision making power from elected constitutional officers and independent agencies to his political appointees.