The process of selecting a chief state school officer (CSSO) can be a significant means of allocating policymaking power in state educational governance. This paper examines the role of the chief state school officer and explains how that role is influenced by the selection process. Four selection models are described, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each: (1) the governor appoints the board of education, which appoints the CSSO; (2) the elected state board of education appoints the CSSO; (3) the governor appoints the state board of education and the CSSO is elected by the public; and (4) the governor appoints the state board of education and the CSSO. Accountability, the relationship of elected officials to the constituents and public bureaucracies to elected officials, varies for each model, as does policymaking power. Specific qualifications and responsibilities of the office are also described as well as the chief state school officer's relationship to other state policymakers. (Author/TE)