The commissioner, with the approval of the Regents, shall appoint 20 members, including appropriate representation from institutions of higher learning, high schools, local chief school officers, and organizations of teachers, parents and school board members. Four members shall be appointed yearly to serve for a term of five years beginning with the first day of January next following the ending of the term to which each, respectively, is to succeed, except that an appointment to fill a vacancy created otherwise than by the expiration of a term shall be for the unexpired term.

The Examinations Board shall appoint, with the approval of the commissioner, committees to prepare question papers for State examinations, and to advise with the commissioner regarding the form and contents of syllabuses covering the subjects of study in the elementary and secondary schools.

The board shall serve without compensation, but the ordinary expenses incident to attendance upon meetings called by the commissioner shall be paid by the State.

The Examinations Board annually, on the first Saturday of December, shall appoint committees, of two or more members each, to prepare question papers for State examinations. An officer of the department shall be a member of each committee. Each member other than officers of the department shall in addition to necessary expenses in attending meetings receive an annual honorarium.