The State Superintendent of Schools, Nancy S. Grasmick, directs the State Department of Education and executes the policies and enforces the regulations adopted by the State Board of Education. Appointed by the State Board, the State Superintendent serves a four-year term.

The State Superintendent also chairs the Interagency Committee on School Construction and is a member of several boards and commissions, including:

• Maryland State Board of Education
• Governor's Workforce Investment Board
• Governor's Executive Council
• Governor's Sub-Cabinet for Children, Youth, and Families
• Governor's Commission on Service
• State Information Technology Board
• Board of Trustees for the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System
• State Advisory Council on Administrative Hearings
• Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission

The State Superintendent also directly oversees the Division of Library Development and Services and the Division of Rehabilitation Services.