What Does a Superintendent Do?

by Cyndy Simms

School HallwayPhoto courtesy of Joe Mabel, via Wikimedia Commons

Introduction Until my retirement in 2010, I worked

as a superintendent for over 20 years, serving several school districts in California, Washington, and Colorado.

Superintendents fulfill a variety of functions, ensuring that all constituent schools operate with full staffs, run smoothly, and have proper funding.

Liaison One of the superintendent’s major

duties involves liaising between the school board and the schools themselves. The school board will decide on policies and initiatives, and it is the superintendent’s responsibility to execute these decisions within the district.

Financial Aspects Financial concerns take up a considerable

amount of the superintendent’s time, as he or she must ensure that the district follows all rules established by the state, municipality, and school board for the allocation and use of funds.

The superintendent often also works in a fundraising capacity, liaising with government and the community to ensure adequate funds for the district and draw attention to any funding shortfalls.

Staffing Another major part of the superintendent’s job

involves staffing. The superintendent will evaluate the personnel needs of all schools in the district and make recommendations to the board.

The superintendent may also review candidates for vacant positions and make hiring recommendations.

Additionally, superintendents must assess the district’s infrastructure needs, making suggestions for renovations, the construction of new facilities, and so forth.

A Resource for Parents and the Public

Finally, the superintendent meets with parents and other members of the public when issues cannot be resolved at the school level.• These complaints may range from

administrative issues within a single school to district-wide problems affecting large groups of students.