The Key Roles of a District Superintendent
Dollar$ and Sense has consistently maintained that constructive solutions represent the value of our organization. As a group, we have extensive experience in New Jersey's K-12 public educational world. This is the result of many years of hard work and on the job experience. We have also expended great efforts around the State and in Trenton. Our suggestions and observations are educated and worthy.
Throughout the process of the Special Sessions, we have attended, testified, listened, watched and read. Efficient spending is a goal we all share. However, we must acknowledge that efficient spending is not the same as efficient education, and it is education goals that we must be committed to. Global demands have made it clear that we must do much more than simply maintain our current standards.
It has been made very apparent that many who are about to make critical decisions do not fully understand the roles of our current school leaders. We see throughout business and sport, that great managers are needed to make great teams great.
A recent report looked at 11.5% of our school districts. A picture was painted that does not represent the great majority of our district leaders. This does not mean that we do not recognize the need for correction and improvement. It does mean that the great majority of our local superintendents are a critical ingredient in the success of our team. When we look at the many successes of New Jersey schools, we must first look to our students. Next, we must look to our district leadership. We have heard a great deal that is simply wrong.
Political leadership appears misinformed about what our district superintendent does and why they are so critical. We will try to make these points by presenting twelve of the many values a quality district superintendent provides. We encourage all to set this as a standard.
1) Superintendents are the primary educational leaders who see to it that students and staff enjoy a safe and healthy environment to maximize student achievement and potential.
2) They maintain district and community focus on the improvement of teaching, learning, and assessment.
3) By working directly with the community they insure that local goals and values are part of our schools. Direct access to leadership for members of the community encourages participation and assures continued investment by our taxpayers.
4) Superintendents bring about the balance between district needs, community needs, and state requirements. We believe that balance is always the key to the success of any team.
5) Superintendents work directly with Boards of Education to coordinate and carry out district policies, regulations, and procedures.
6) As the liaison to the County Superintendent, State and Federal requirements are implemented and monitored.
7) Superintendents insure compliance with all mandates and code requirements.
8) All negotiated agreements are monitored and implemented.
9) Grievances from district employees and parents are heard and addressed. Documentation and old fashioned "horse sense" is presented in efforts to settle differences using mediation. This one function alone saves districts and taxpayers more than the cost of the Superintendent, particularly with special education conflicts.
10) Superintendents are the leaders regarding staffing and professional development. Selecting, evaluating, and inspiring teachers is something that must be done with the understanding of State, Federal, and local standards and needs.
11) Superintendents can and must provide the fiscal and educational accountability required by taxpayers.
12) Critical decision making on a daily basis requires detailed knowledge of schools, school safety, community, policies, and all of the applicable legal ramifications. This is especially critical when conflicts, disagreements, or emergencies arise. Direct intervention, parent contact, and immediate responses is a responsibility so large, local respect and appreciation of a local leader is essential.
Please recognize that the investment a community makes in a school superintendent provides a quality return on investment. This return serves taxpayers, students and our entire state with benefits well beyond the cost.
Throughout the process of the Special Sessions, we have attended, testified, listened, watched and read. Efficient spending is a goal we all share. However, we must acknowledge that efficient spending is not the same as efficient education, and it is education goals that we must be committed to. Global demands have made it clear that we must do much more than simply maintain our current standards.
It has been made very apparent that many who are about to make critical decisions do not fully understand the roles of our current school leaders. We see throughout business and sport, that great managers are needed to make great teams great.
A recent report looked at 11.5% of our school districts. A picture was painted that does not represent the great majority of our district leaders. This does not mean that we do not recognize the need for correction and improvement. It does mean that the great majority of our local superintendents are a critical ingredient in the success of our team. When we look at the many successes of New Jersey schools, we must first look to our students. Next, we must look to our district leadership. We have heard a great deal that is simply wrong.
Political leadership appears misinformed about what our district superintendent does and why they are so critical. We will try to make these points by presenting twelve of the many values a quality district superintendent provides. We encourage all to set this as a standard.
1) Superintendents are the primary educational leaders who see to it that students and staff enjoy a safe and healthy environment to maximize student achievement and potential.
2) They maintain district and community focus on the improvement of teaching, learning, and assessment.
3) By working directly with the community they insure that local goals and values are part of our schools. Direct access to leadership for members of the community encourages participation and assures continued investment by our taxpayers.
4) Superintendents bring about the balance between district needs, community needs, and state requirements. We believe that balance is always the key to the success of any team.
5) Superintendents work directly with Boards of Education to coordinate and carry out district policies, regulations, and procedures.
6) As the liaison to the County Superintendent, State and Federal requirements are implemented and monitored.
7) Superintendents insure compliance with all mandates and code requirements.
8) All negotiated agreements are monitored and implemented.
9) Grievances from district employees and parents are heard and addressed. Documentation and old fashioned "horse sense" is presented in efforts to settle differences using mediation. This one function alone saves districts and taxpayers more than the cost of the Superintendent, particularly with special education conflicts.
10) Superintendents are the leaders regarding staffing and professional development. Selecting, evaluating, and inspiring teachers is something that must be done with the understanding of State, Federal, and local standards and needs.
11) Superintendents can and must provide the fiscal and educational accountability required by taxpayers.
12) Critical decision making on a daily basis requires detailed knowledge of schools, school safety, community, policies, and all of the applicable legal ramifications. This is especially critical when conflicts, disagreements, or emergencies arise. Direct intervention, parent contact, and immediate responses is a responsibility so large, local respect and appreciation of a local leader is essential.
Please recognize that the investment a community makes in a school superintendent provides a quality return on investment. This return serves taxpayers, students and our entire state with benefits well beyond the cost.
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