The successful operation of schools requires a close, effective working relationship between the board and the superintendent. The relationship must be one of trust, good will and candor. As the legally designated governing body, the board retains final authority within the district. The board exercises those powers that are expressly required by law and those implied by law. The superintendent is the board's professional advisor to whom the board delegates executive responsibility, and such powers as may be required to manage the district in a manner consistent with board policy and state and federal law.
The superintendent, as an executive officer of the board (Secretary), shall be responsible for the administration of the schools under applicable laws and policies of the district. The board shall delineate the duties of the superintendent and shall use them as the basis for evaluating the superintendent’s performance. Unless specifically limited, the superintendent may delegate to other staff the exercise of any powers and the discharge of any duties imposed by district policy or a vote of the board. The delegation of power or duty shall not relieve the superintendent of responsibility for the actions taken under such a delegation.
In order to perform their responsibilities, board members must be familiar with the operations within the schools. The superintendent shall establish communication procedures which can enhance the board member's understanding of student programs and school operations.
Legal References:
RCW 28A.320.010Corporate powers
RCW 28A.330.100 Additional powers of the board (First Class Districts Only)
RCW 28A.400.010 Employment of superintendent--Superintendent’s qualifications, general powers, term, contract renewal
RCW 28A.400.030 Superintendent’s duties
Management Resources:
Policy & Legal News, February 2013 Policy Revisions
Adoption Date: March 10, 1999
Classification: Optional
Procedure
The following communications procedures are established:
Staff Communications to the Board. All communications or reports to the board or individual board members from principals, supervisors, teachers, or other staff members shall be submitted through the superintendent. This shall not deny any staff member's right to appeal to the board regarding administrative decisions, provided that the superintendent shall have been notified of the forthcoming appeal and that it is processed according to the applicable procedures on complaints and grievances.
Board Communications to Staff. All official communications, policies, and directives of staff interest and concern will be communicated to staff members through the superintendent. The superintendent will employ all such media as are appropriate to keep staff fully informed of the board's priorities, concerns and actions.
Visits to Schools. Individual board members interested in visiting schools or classrooms will make arrangements for visitations through the principals of the various schools. Such visits shall be regarded as expressions of interest in school affairs and not as "inspections" or visits for supervisory or administrative purposes. Official visits by board members will be carried on only under board authorization and with the full knowledge of staff, including the superintendent, principals and other supervisors.
Social Interaction. Staff and board members share a keen interest in the schools and in education. When they meet at social affairs and other functions, informal discussion on such matters as educational trends, issues, and innovations and general district problems can be anticipated. Discussions of personalities or staff grievances is not appropriate.
Superintendent‑Board Relations
The board shall:
Date: 03/99