The successful operation of schools requires a close, effective working relationship between the board and the superintendent. The relationship must be one of trust, goodwill 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. When the superintendent will be delegating responsibilities because of absence from the district the superintendent should notify the board and members of cabinet about the 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:
Corporate powers - RCW 28A.320.010
Additional powers of the board (First Class Districts Only) - RCW 28A.330.100
Employment of superintendent-Superintendent's qualifications, general powers, term, contract renewal - RCW 28A.400.010
Superintendent's duties - RCW 28A.400.030
Management Resources:
Policy Revisions - Policy & Legal News, February 2013
Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: March 1983
Revised by the Board: 8.03, 9.08, 6.13, 1.14, 9.14
Classification: Discretionary