(a) In consultation with the local superintendent of education, the local board of education shall appoint a chief school financial officer who shall be an employee of the board.

(b)(1) If the position of chief school financial officer is vacant for 30 days and the local board is not actively seeking to fill the position, the State Superintendent of Education may designate a chief school financial officer for a period of not more than one year, which may be extended from year to year, unless and until the local board appoints a person who meets the established qualifications. In addition, the State Superintendent of Education shall designate a chief school financial officer if the position has been vacant for more than 60 days.

(2) A person designated as chief school financial officer by the State Superintendent of Education may not be unilaterally removed from that position by the local board of education pursuant to subsection (c) without the prior approval of the State Superintendent of Education, but may be replaced after one year by a qualified person selected by the local board.

(c) Except as specified in subdivision (2) of subsection (b), a local board of education, upon a majority vote of its members, shall have unilateral authority to remove the chief school financial officer.

(d) A person designated as a chief school financial officer shall meet the minimum job qualifications established by the local board and the State Board of Education and shall possess or be eligible to possess certification required pursuant to regulations promulgated by the State Board of Education.