Role of the School Superintendent Vs. Board Members

Both the superintendent and school board hold important roles.

Most American public school districts are primarily governed by a superintendent and a board of education. The superintendent is the chief executive of the school system, overseeing all aspects of the schools' day-to-day operations, while the school board is usually a group of residents from the district who approve the superintendent's requests and plans.

Both Are Important

This model is set up in a similar way as a town manager and town council model; it works to provide checks, balances and accountability in the governance of the school system.

How It Works

The superintendent, who is appointed by the school board, often submits requests to the board, which can then decide to approve the superintendent's plans by a majority vote. For additional accountability, the school board itself is usually elected by the public.

Board Members' Responsibilities

The most important parts of any school board's work is the annual approval of the district's budget. Also, the board typically has final say on hiring and firing all district staff, approving bylaws and authorizing contracts.

Superintendent's Responsibilities

The superintendent often provides a vision for the district, while also preparing budgets for the school board's approval, overseeing school-wide initiatives and regulations and maintaining district standards.

School Board Meetings

Most school boards hold public meetings every month to approve whatever agenda items the superintendent and school board want to put forward. The superintendent usually attends all school board meetings, but usually is not allowed to vote on agenda items.

References

• National School Boards Association: Key Responsibilities
• American Association of School Administrators