The program of and all activities related to the center for distance education are the responsibility of the director of the center for distance education and under the authority of the superintendent of public instruction and the board. The director is appointed by and reports to the superintendent of public instruction. The center must have a separate budget and a separate staff from the department of public instruction who must be classified under the state personnel merit system. The director shall carry out the responsibilities in operating the center for distance education in the manner approved by the board, under the supervision of the superintendent of public instruction, and compliant with requirements established by the superintendent of public instruction and the education standards and practices board for public school administrators and teachers.