La. R.S. 36:646

There may be a deputy state superintendent of the department, who shall be appointed by the state superintendent with consent of the Senate. He shall serve at the pleasure of the state superintendent at a salary fixed by the state superintendent, which salary shall not exceed the amount approved for such position by the legislature while in session. The duties and functions of the deputy state superintendent shall be determined and assigned by the state superintendent. He shall serve as acting state superintendent in the absence of the state superintendent. If no deputy state superintendent is appointed, the state superintendent shall designate the deputy superintendent of management and finance or the deputy superintendent of district support to serve in his absence.