The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is a constitutional agency approved by Nebraska voters. The Department operates under the authority of an elected board of education. NDE is organized into offices that interact to operate the agency and carry out the duties assigned by state and federal statutes and the policy directions of the State Board of Education. The offices are organized around distinct functions and responsibilities that encompass leadership and support for Nebraska's system of early childhood, primary, secondary and postsecondary education; direct services to clients; and internal support to the agency.