The purpose of the emergency conference call was to appoint an interim Commissioner of Education as Commissioner Smith’s resignation became effective June 10, 2011. This action was necessary as the Board voted on May 27, 2011, to extend the deadline for applications for this position until June 6, 2011. The Commissioner of Education is the chief educational officer of the state and is responsible for giving full assistance to the State Board of Education in enforcing compliance with the mission and goals of the K-20 education system except for the State University System. The action of the Board was the appointment of John Winn as interim Commissioner of Education effective June 11, 2011.