The State board may, upon the recommendation of the commissioner, choose to retain the person who holds the position of superintendent of schools in the school district at the time the State board issues the administrative order pursuant to section 15 of P.L. 1975, c.212 (C.18A:7A-15). If the State board chooses to retain the superintendent of schools, the person shall have the powers and duties of a State district superintendent of schools and shall comply with the directives of the commissioner or his designee, including any highly skilled professional appointed by the commissioner.
N.J.S. § 18A:7A-35