(a) The chief executive officer of the Kansas state school for the blind shall have the title of superintendent and shall be appointed by the state board of education. The superintendent shall serve at the pleasure of the state board of education, shall be in the unclassified service, and shall receive an annual salary fixed by the state board of education within appropriations therefor authorized by the legislature.

(b) The superintendent of the Kansas state school for the blind shall: (1) Be responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of the state school for the blind; (2) appoint such employees as are authorized by the state board of education; and (3) have such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as are specified by the state board of education.