Department established

1. The department of education is established to act in a policymaking and advisory capacity and to exercise general supervision over the state system of education including all of the following: a. Public elementary and secondary schools. b. Community colleges. c. Area education agencies. d. Educational supervision over the elementary and secondary schools under the control of the department of health and human services. e. Nonpublic schools to the extent necessary for compliance with Iowa school laws. f. The Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program. g. The Iowa school for the deaf. h. The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics collaborative initiative within the innovation division of the department. i. The college student aid commission within the higher education division of the department. j. The board of educational examiners within the higher education division of the department. k. Career and technical education programs offered by school districts or community colleges. 2. The department shall stimulate and encourage educational radio and television and other educational communications services as necessary to aid in accomplishing the educational objectives of the state. 3. The department shall meet the informational needs of the three branches of state government. 4. The department shall act as an administrative, supervisory, and consultative state agency.