ADMINISTRATIVE GOALS

            The Board of Education believes that proper administration is vital to a successful educational program. The coordination and supervision of all aspects of the operations of the district's schools, pursuant to the policies of the Board, are necessary for the development and maintenance of an effective learning environment. Administrative duties and functions are to be assessed in terms of their contributions to the improvement of education in the district. The Superintendent of Schools, as chief executive officer of the district, is to provide the leadership necessary to support this objective.

            District administration is to be organized so that all divisions and departments of the central office and all schools operate within a system guided by Board policies, which are implemented through the Superintendent. All personnel will have the necessary authority and responsibility (clearly defined and correlated to their roles) to carry out their respective assignments within this framework. Accountability will rest with these same personnel for the effectiveness with which their duties are performed.

            Major goals of district administration will be:

1.         to effectively manage the district's various departments, units and programs;

2.         to provide professional advice and counsel to the Board and to advisory groups established by Board action. This includes the review of policy alternatives and the subsequent recommendation from among them;

3.         to perform managerial duties as will best assure effective learning programs, including but not limited to:

            a.         ensuring the effective implementation of Board policy;

            b.         addressing the on-site needs of the district's schools;

            c.         providing leadership in keeping abreast of current educational developments;

            d.         arranging for effective staff development programs;

            e.         coordinating cooperative efforts at improving learning programs, facilities, equipment and materials; and

            f.          providing channels for the upward flow of information necessary and useful in the design and development of school policy.

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

                                   SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

            The Board of Education shall by a majority vote appoint a Superintendent of Schools for a term of no less than three years and not to exceed five years. The Superintendent shall serve as the chief executive officer of the Board and as such shall carry out the policies established by the Board.

Ref:      Education Law §§1711; 2508

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

                           QUALIFICATIONS OF SUPERINTENDENT

            The Superintendent of Schools shall be duly certified as required by the Commissioner's Regulations.  To be certified, a Superintendent must hold a Baccalaureate and a Master's degree, and at least 60 hours of graduate study, including 24 hours in school administration and supervision, and an approved administrative/supervisory internship.  The internship may be substituted with a one year full time experience in a school administrative or supervisory position.  In addition, the Superintendent must have completed two hours of coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment.  The Commissioner of Education may grant special certification to an exceptionally qualified person who fails to meet all the graduate course or school teaching requirements. 

            The Board of Education reserves the right to set minimum requirements above those of certification for any candidate who seeks the position of Superintendent.

Ref:      Education Law §3003(4)

            8 NYCRR §80.4

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

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                         RECRUITMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

            The Board of Education recognizes that the recruitment and appointment of the Superintendent of Schools is among the most important priorities of the Board.

            Through its employment policies, the Board will attempt to attract, secure, and retain a qualified Superintendent.  The selection program will be based upon finding an individual who will devote himself/herself to the education and welfare of the children attending the district’s schools and the efficient and responsible administration of the school system.

            The Board will establish a search committee (or hire a consultant) to recruit and interview candidates for the position of Superintendent.  The responsibilities of the search committee [consultant] and the procedures to be followed will be clearly established by the Board prior to the commencement of the recruitment process.   The committee, if not experienced in the recruitment of administrative personnel, will undergo training so that the process may be conducted in an efficient manner. 

            Recruiting procedures shall enable the district to seek qualified candidates from a variety of sources.  The Board adheres to the practice of recruiting and hiring personnel without regard to religion, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, or disability.  It will be the responsibility of the committee [consultant] to determine that the candidates meet certification and other  requirements established by the Education Law and the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education for the position of Superintendent.

            Upon selecting a new Superintendent, the Board will negotiate a contract with the successful candidate.

Cross-ref:         3110, Qualifications of the Superintendent

Ref:      Education Law §§1711(1), (2), (3)

            8 NYCRR §80.4

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

                                 DUTIES OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

            The Superintendent of Schools, as chief executive officer of the Board of Education, will have the following specific powers and duties:

Relationship with the Board

1.         to serve as the executive officer for the Board and be charged with the responsibility for implementing the policies of the Board.  He/She shall work with the Board President in planning the agenda for each meeting, shall attend all meetings and participate in all regular and special meetings of the Board and executive meetings of the Board;

2.         to develop a harmonious and close working relationship with the Board.  He/She shall treat all Board members impartially and alike, refraining from criticism of individual or group members of the Board.  He/She shall go to the Board when serious differences of opinion arise in an earnest effort to resolve such differences immediately;

3.         to serve as a resource person and advisor to the Board.  He/She shall keep the Board informed on issues, needs, and operation of the school system.  He/She shall offer advice to the Board, based on thorough study and analysis, on items requiring Board action;

4.         to provide a continuous appraisal of all school policies originating with the Board.  He/She shall advise the Board on the need for new and/or revised policies and suggest draft policies to satisfy those needs; 

Educational Direction and Leadership

5.         to develop administrative principles and procedures for implementing Board policy.  He/She shall ensure the enforcement of all provisions of law, rules and regulations, and Board policy relating to the management of the schools and other educational, social and recreational activities. He/She shall interpret for the staff all Board policies and applicable laws, rules and regulations;

6.         to understand and keep informed on all aspects of the instructional program at all levels.  He/She shall have responsibility for the supervision of instruction and shall bring to the school, in a leadership capacity, the best in educational thought and practice.  He/She shall, on a continuing basis, review and update the educational program of the school, and keep the Board informed of all changes in curriculum;

7.         to recommend to the Board for its adoption all courses of study, curriculum guides and  textbooks to be used in the schools;

8.         to encourage a positive approach to student behavior and discipline;

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Personnel

9.         to develop and implement sound personnel practices, consistent with law, board policy and collective bargaining agreements, including recruitment, hiring, assignment, supervision, evaluation, promotion, and discipline of all personnel.  He/She shall develop procedures for the selection of staff members.  He/She shall establish standards for teacher selection, and shall provide a framework for continuing in-service training of all professional staff members;

10.       to recruit qualified professional, civil service, and non-certified personnel.  He/She may authorize the payment of part or all of the expenses of candidates for instructional/administrative positions if the candidates are asked to come to the district for visits or interviews;

11.       to nominate employees for appointment, promotion, transfer or dismissal in accordance with the policies of the board and the procedures outlined by the law.  He/She shall make recommendations to the Board regarding salary and tenure of all employees.  He/She may temporarily suspend any employee for cause and shall promptly report such suspension to the members of the Board.  Unless otherwise determined by the Board, he/she is authorized to reemploy all employees upon the adoption by the Board of the budget for the following year;

12.       to supervise and evaluate all staff members.  He/She shall work for good morale and be impartial, firm and fair in dealing with staff;

13.       to encourage in-service education and the professional growth of staff through conferences, workshops, group discussions, committee/individual studies and use of consultants;

14.       to advise the Board, in conjunction with the Board-designated negotiator(s), in all collective bargaining matters;

Financial Management

15.       to prepare and present to the Board a preliminary annual budget in accordance with a schedule established with the Board.  He/She is responsible for ensuring that the budget, as adopted by the Board and approved at the annual meeting, is properly administered.  He/She shall ensure that regular reports are made to the Board on the status of the budget; 

16.       to establish efficient procedures to maximize income, safeguard investments and provide effective controls for all expenditures of school funds in accordance with the adopted budget.  He/She shall ensure that all necessary bookkeeping and accounting records are maintained by the district; 

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Facilities Management

17.       to supervise operations, maintenance, alterations and repair to buildings and grounds, insisting on competent and efficient performance;

18.       to evaluate plant needs and recommend to the Board improvements, alterations and changes in the buildings and equipment of the district;

Community Relations

19.       to supervise the public relations activities of the district. He/She shall keep the public informed about the policies, practices, and problems in the district’s schools, and provide leadership in changing attitudes and practices for the future.  He/She shall develop friendly and cooperative relationships with the news media;

20.       to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all segments of the community:  parent-teacher organizations, local and state government, other school systems, institutions, agencies, civic organizations, and the general public.  He/She shall solicit and give attention to problems and opinions of all groups and individuals;

Personal Qualities and Growth

21.       to demonstrate outstanding qualities of leadership with ability to delegate authority and responsibility effectively and to hold subordinates accountable;

22.       to exhibit good judgement, common sense and perception;

23.       to exhibit the ability to face controversy, remain true to convictions and to live with a high-pressure job;

24.       to speak well before large and small groups, expressing ideas in a logical and forthright manner;

25.       to maintain professional development by reading and course work, attending conferences, working on professional committees, visiting other districts, and meeting with other superintendents;

Management Functions

26.       to coordinate and manage the district so that the school organization operates smoothly and efficiently.  He/She must be able to coordinate the  processes essential to achieving a smooth operation in all areas of the school district organization:

            ·           Planning:  determining needs, objectives and goals;

            ·           Organization:  assigning roles, responsibilities and establishing lines of communication;

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            ·           Control: ensuring that progress is being made toward priorities, disciplining, making necessary staff reallocations and changes and evaluations;

            ·           Decision-making: data-collecting, analyzing data and choosing appropriately from a variety of decision-making techniques;

            ·           Problem-solving: sensitivity to problems, formulating problem statements, and using a variety of problem solving techniques;

            ·           Communication:  giving and receiving information effectively both orally and in writing, facilitating the exchange of information, views and opinions; and

27.       to perform such other duties as the majority of the Board may determine.

Ref:      Education Law §§1604(8); 1711; 1804

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

                               EVALUATION OF SUPERINTENDENT

            For pertinent information, see 0320, Evaluation of the School Superintendent.

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

                                ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION

            The Superintendent of Schools is the chief executive officer of the district.  During his/her absence, the Board of Education designates the Deputy Superintendent to serve as Acting Superinten­dent.

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

                                          ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

            The Board of Education recognizes that the quality of the district's schools is in large measure dependent upon securing maximum participation of all members of the management team, which consists of the Superintendent of Schools, the Deputy Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendents.

            The management team concept is recognized as an arrangement for responsible and appropriate involvement of administrative personnel in decision making.  The Board believes the team approach to management best capitalizes upon shared strengths in cooperative decision making.

            The members of the team act in an advisory capacity and participate in decision making when appropriate. Among the management team's responsibilities are:

1.         to make policy recommendations to the Superintendent and Board as assigned;

2.         to develop for Superintendent's approval and Board review, administrative regulations implementing policy adopted by the Board;

3.         to involve other staff members possessing competency in the area under consideration in the development of district policies and regulations;

4.         to interpret and disseminate district policies and programs to other district personnel, students and citizens;

5.         as assigned by the Superintendent, to be the Board's representative(s) in the administration of district programs;

6.         to evaluate proposals made by other employees in negotiations with the Board's designated representative and to recommend to the Superintendent and Board the district's response to such proposals; and

7.         to serve as support personnel to the district's negotiator.

            The Board also encourages a management approach that focuses upon the development and assessment of management objectives supportive of the Board's approved district plan.

            The Superintendent is directed to provide for placing into operation the provisions for implementing a management team concept for school administration.

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

                                           ORGANIZATION CHART

            The Superintendent of Schools shall maintain an administrative organization chart showing the relationship among the various administrators and staff.

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

                                      LINE AND STAFF RELATIONS

            The following principles shall govern the administrative operation of the school system:

1.         The Superintendent of Schools shall have specific responsibility for overseeing the district educational programs.

2.         Responsibility shall flow from the Board of Education, to the Superintendent, to Building Principals, to teachers.

3.         Each member of the staff shall be informed as to whom he/she is responsible and for what functions.

4.         Whenever possible, each member of the staff shall be made responsible to only one immediate supervisor for any one function.

5.         Each staff member shall be informed as to whom he/she can appeal in case of disagreement with an immediate superior.

6.         Each staff member shall be informed as to whom he/she should report to for help in carrying out his/her functions.

Line of Responsibility

            Each employee in the school system shall be responsible to the Board through the Superintendent.

            All personnel shall refer matters requiring administrative action to the administrative officer immediately in charge of the area in which the problem arises.

            Administrative officers shall refer such matters to the next higher authority when deemed necessary.

            All employees shall have the right to appeal any decision made by an administrative officer to the next higher authority and through appropriate successive steps to the Board.

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

                             SCHOOL BUILDING ADMINISTRATION

            The Superintendent of Schools will delegate administrative authority to the Building Principal of each school and to his/her assistant(s) within the district's system for the internal management of the schools, within established Board of Education policy and administrative regulations.

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

                                        POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

            The execution, administration and enforcement of all policies of the district is the responsibility of the Superintendent of Schools.  He/She shall report to and be accountable to the Board of Education and not any officer, committee or individual member of the Board, in fulfilling this responsibility.

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

                                 DEVELOPMENT OF REGULATIONS

            The Superintendent of Schools shall be responsible for developing regulations consistent with policies of the Board of Education.  In developing such regulations, the Superintendent shall, whenever feasible, seek the advice and opinions of any staff member who will be affected by the proposed regulations, and establish procedures to ensure that such advice and opinions are received.

            The Superintendent shall give due weight to the opinions of staff, especially those offered by representatives of any bargaining units.  The Superintendent shall inform the Board of any advice or opinions given by staff in presenting reports of administrative action or when presenting recommendations for action by the Board.

Ref:      Education Law §§1709; 1711

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

                                BOARD REVIEW OF REGULATIONS

            The Board of Education shall review and approve any administrative regulations establishing or affecting curricula.  The Board may review any other regulation, at its discretion, to determine whether the regulation conforms with adopted policy.

Adoption date: December 16, 1997

                                   REGULATIONS DISSEMINATION

            Regulations promulgated by the Superintendent of Schools shall be included in the district policy manual and disseminated in the same manner as Board of Education policies.

Adoption date: December 16, 1997