Applicants are being invited for a new panel that will have the final say on school closures.
The panel is due to take over from Scottish ministers next spring in order to remove allegations of political bias.
At present the Scottish Government can call in a local authority decision to close a school. Changes to the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 will hand over responsibility on whether a school says open or closes to an independent group.
The 10-strong panel will be able to give consent to the closure, with or without conditions, refer it back to the local authority to consider again, or refuse consent.
Education Secretary Mike Russell said: “This is a welcome change to the legislation as it ensures the final decision on a school closure proposal which has been called in will be taken by an independent panel.
“I would encourage people from all professions and backgrounds to apply for these positions and, while knowledge of the education sector or regulatory systems would be of benefit, full training will be given to all panel members.
“Clearly, local authorities are best placed to consider how to deliver services across their communities and sometimes it is necessary to close a school.
“However, the new legislation strengthens and increases transparency in these far-reaching decisions, and the School Closure Review Panel has a very important role to play.”
It is expected that the panel will handle five or six closures a year. Members will be expected to be able to give a time commitment of up to 10 days a year. Remuneration will be £200 a day, plus expenses.
Applications opened yesterday with a December 5 closing date.