Formal appeals to the superintendent of public instruction shall be provided as follows:

(1) Any person who has filed an appeal in accordance with WAC 181-86-140 and desires to have the decision of the review officer formally reviewed by the superintendent of public instruction may do so. To instigate review under this section, a person must file a written notice with the superintendent of public instruction within thirty calendar days following the date of post-marked mailing of the review officer's written decision.

(2) For purposes of hearing an appeal under this section, the superintendent of public instruction shall conduct a formal administrative hearing in conformance with the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The superintendent of public instruction, in carrying out this duty, may contract with the office of administrative hearings pursuant to RCW 28A.300.120 to hear a particular appeal. Decisions in cases formally appealed pursuant to this section may be made by the administrative law judge selected by the chief administrative law judge if the superintendent of public instruction delegates this authority pursuant to RCW 28A.300.120.

(3) The decision of the superintendent of public instruction or the administrative law judge, whichever is applicable, shall be sent by certified mail to the appellant's last known address and if the decision is to reprimand, suspend, or revoke, the appellant shall be notified that such order takes effect upon signing of the final order.