TITLE: Superintendent of Schools
QUALIFICATIONS:
The Superintendent shall meet requirements for a Superintendent’s certificate as prescribed by the Department of Education. The Board of Directors may require additional qualifications as are deemed appropriate.
DUTIES:
General Responsibilities
The Superintendent of Schools, within the legal requirements of the State, shall be responsible for the general leadership and management of the schools of the district under the rules and regulations prescribed by the State of Iowa and the policies of the Board of Directors. The Superintendent is responsible for guiding the development of the educational objectives and programs of the school district to fulfill the educational needs of all pupils, and to recommend these objectives and programs to the Board of Directors. The Superintendent shall provide overall direction to the activities of the school district and its personnel toward the accomplishment of approved educational goals; administer the policies of the Board; conserve the school district’s assets and resources; and maintain and enhance the school district’s standing in all its major internal and external relationships.
Scope of Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Superintendent shall extend to all activities of the district, to all phases of the educational program, to all parts of the physical plant, and the conduct of such other duties as may be assigned by the Board.
Performance areas include:
1. Leadership and Management
a. Create a “vision” for the district and inspire others to commit to that “vision.”
b. Lead in the development of long- and short-range educational strategies and goals for the improvement and growth of the school district and of educational activities in the school district.
c. Manage the development of the overall educational process and administrative procedures and controls necessary to the implementation of educational programs for the achievement of the educational objectives of the school district.
d. Manage the regular and systematic evaluation, analysis, and appraisal of the achievements of pupils and the performance of personnel in each of the educational programs and activities.
e. Report to the Board the progress and status of the programs and activities of the school district.
f. Inform the Board on all matters of major importance or significance to the activities, programs, and progress of the school district.
g. Establish and maintain an administrative organization which provides for the effective management of all the essential functions of the school district.
h. Be visible in the community and schools to help in the articulation and understanding of the educational program.
2. Personnel
a. Develop and recommend policies and programs for personnel recruitment, selection, and employment; employee relations; employee benefits and services; employee safety; personnel evaluation; and salary administration for the school district.
b. Maintain a staff of properly trained personnel throughout the school district in order to effectively deliver the ever changing education program.
c. Recommend to the Board the selection, employment, assignment, transfer, and suspension of professional and nonprofessional personnel.
d. Supervise assigned personnel and conduct periodic evaluations and appraisals of their performance.
e. Serve as chief spokesperson in negotiations facilitating a contract that is fair to all parties.
f. Develop and recommend to the Board job classifications for all new positions including job descriptions.
3. Finances
a. Direct the development of the annual budget of the school district.
b. Review and recommend programs and supporting data for funds to be included in the annual budget of the school district.
c. Provide for the overall management of the school district’s financial activities, and take appropriate action to ensure that expenses are kept within the approved budgetary limits of the school district.
d. Investigate strategies that could help the district maintain its fiscal viability.
e. Develop plans that best utilize present building and ensure appropriate facilities in the future.
4. Relationships
a. Act as professional advisor to the Board in assisting policy development and governing the business of the district.
b. Prepare the agenda for all meetings of the Board, and deliver the agenda with pertinent information on each item in advance of the meeting, as well as recommended decisions.
c. Participate in the affairs of local, state, and national professional organizations as a representative of the school system and the community.
d. Develop and use communication lines to facilitate positive public relations with all segments of the community and the organization.
e. Involve community and staff, when appropriate, in addressing issues and/or developing educational strategies.
Approved: 1/97 Revised: 10/98 Reviewed: 7/01
10/08
9/10
3/13
7/19