Job Descriptions for School Superintendents
A school superintendent serves as the highest executive or administrator of a school district or group of public schools. Superintendents report directly to the school board, a body of typically elected advisers who make decisions about schools.
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Function
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School superintendents are responsible for ensuring that schools function within budget and provide quality education in a safe environment. At the direction of the school board, school superintendents draft policies that govern the operation of all schools and range from hiring teachers to disciplining students.
Features
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Along with the board, the school superintendent sets goals for schools, such as improving test scores or developing a new curriculum in a subject area. The superintendent then works with the principals or administrators of each school, parents and members of the community to implement the changes necessary to meet these goals.
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Environment
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Because of the large amount of responsibility and scrutiny that comes with the position, the work of school superintendents has the potential to become stressful or tiring. Superintendents also work long hours and may need to focus on work-related matters during the evenings and weekends.
Requirements
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Successful superintendents possess effective communication, personal, analytical and leadership skills. Self-confidence, motivation, persuasiveness and determination also play a vital role in success in the field, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education
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School superintendents typically hold a minimum of a master's degree in school administration, though many have Ph.D.s in the field. Previous experience as a teacher is also beneficial.
Compensation
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In December 2009, annual salaries of school superintendents averaged $83,059 to $148,721, according to Payscale.com.
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