(a) Establishment of board.--There is hereby created within the department a departmental administrative board to be known as the State Board of Private Academic Schools. The board shall consist of nine members, who shall be appointed by the secretary. The composition of the board shall include at least one parent of a student in a licensed academic school. The terms of appointment shall be for three years.

(b) Quorum.--Five members of the board shall constitute a quorum. The board shall select annually a chairperson from among its members.

(c) Administrative support.--Administrative support for the board shall be provided by the department in accordance with section 214 of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L. 177, No. 175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929.¹ The department shall periodically consult with the board regarding its administrative needs.

(d) Compensation and expenses.--Members of the board shall receive $60 per diem for each day actually devoted to work of the board. The members shall be reimbursed for reasonable travel, hotel and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with Commonwealth regulations.

(e) Forfeiture of membership.--A member who fails to attend three consecutive board meetings shall forfeit membership on the board unless the secretary, upon written request from the member, determines that the member shall be excused from a meeting or meetings for reasons of illness or death of a family member.

(f) Meetings and records.--The board shall meet at such times and places as it shall determine is necessary for the proper conduct of its work. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson or at the request of a majority of the members of the board dependent upon the availability of funds to cover costs. Board records and administrative records for private academic schools shall be maintained in Harrisburg.

(g) Documents.--Certificates of licensure and other official documents approved by the board shall be issued by the department.