The commissioner shall be responsible for the coordination of the work of the county departments of child study and the general administration of special educational services in the public schools of this State.
In order to carry out the provisions of this chapter, the commissioner shall appoint staff persons qualified to administer educational services in the general field of education for children with disabilities pursuant to N.J.S.18A:46-1, including each of the disability groups identified in N.J.S.18A:46-1, and a consultant experienced in child psychiatry, and specialists in school psychology, health service, school social work, learning disabilities and special education and such other qualified personnel as the commissioner shall deem necessary and the commissioner shall fix their compensation with the approval of the State board.
The commissioner shall appoint biannually an advisory council with the approval of the State board which will consist of not less than seven nor more than 15 members representative of public and private professional and lay interests. The advisory council shall advise in the promulgation of rules, regulations, and the implementation of this chapter and the establishment of standards and qualifications for the professional personnel. The council shall serve without remuneration.