K.S.A. 72-373

Assistant commissioners of education shall be appointed by the state board and shall perform such functions and duties as are prescribed by the state board or by the commissioner. Any of said assistant commissioners of education may be designated from time to time to act for and exercise the powers, duties and functions of the commissioner of education, in the absence or inability of the commissioner to act, to the extent authority to do so is delegated by the state board or by the commissioner.