(a) The commissioner shall appoint two public members to the board of education of each special act school district pursuant to the provisions of this Part. Appointments shall be made from candidates recommended by a regional interview team appointed by the commissioner. A district superintendent of schools shall coordinate the activities of the team. Such regional interview team may include, but need not be limited to, a duly licensed certified public accountant or public accountant and individuals recommended by organizations representing superintendents of schools, boards of education, teachers, and individuals with disabilities and/or parents of individuals with disabilities.

(b) The full term of office of a public member shall be four years, commencing and ending on such dates as determined by the commissioner, provided that the term of public members may be changed in accordance with subdivision 3 of section 2105 of the Education Law upon at least 60 days advance notice to the commissioner.

(c) In the event a public member vacates his or her office during its term pursuant to section 2112 of the Education Law, the commissioner may appoint an eligible person in the manner prescribed in this section for the remaining balance of the term of office, or for a full term commencing and ending on such dates as determined by the commissioner.

(d) Upon appointment, the public members shall have all the rights, privileges, powers, duties and responsibilities of members of the board of education of a union free school district under the Education Law and other laws pertaining to such school districts.