The board and the administrators shall work together in making decisions and setting goals for the school district.  This effort is designed to obtain, share, and use information to solve problems, make decisions, and formulate school district policies and regulations.

It shall be the responsibility of each administrator to fully participate in the management of the school district by investigating, analyzing, and expressing their views on issues.  Those board members or administrators with special expertise or knowledge of an issue may be called upon to provide information.  Each board member and administrator shall support the decisions reached on the issues confronting the school district.

The board shall be responsible for making the final decision in matters pertaining to the school district.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop guidelines for cooperative decision-making.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:  301  Administrative Structure

Approved  11/13/95                
Reviewed  10/18/21     
Revised            

The board will employ a superintendent to serve as the chief executive officer of the board, to conduct the daily operations of the school district, and to implement board policy with the power and duties prescribed by the board and the law.

The board will consider applicants that meet or exceed the standards set by the Iowa Department of Education and the qualifications established in the job description for the superintendent position.  In employing a superintendent, the board will consider the qualifications, credentials and records of the applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability.  In keeping with the law, however, the board will consider the veteran status of the applicants.  The board will look closely at the training, experience, skill and demonstrated competence of qualified applicants in making its final decision.

In choosing a superintendent, the board shall also consider the school district's educational philosophy, financial situation, organizational structure, education programs, and other factors deemed relevant by the board.

The board may contract for assistance in the search for a superintendent.

Legal Reference:  29 U.S.C. §§ 621-634 (1994).
                                       42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e et seq. (1994).
                                       Iowa Code §§ 21.5(1)(i); 35C; 216; 279.8, .20 (2007).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.4(4).
                                       1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 367.

Cross Reference:  200.2  Powers of the Board of Directors
                                       200.3  Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
                                       301    Administrative Structure
                                       302    Superintendent

Approved  7/10/89        
Reviewed  10/18/21        
Revised  09/8/08        

The length of the contract for employment between the superintendent and the board shall be determined by the board.  The contract will begin on July 1 and end on June 30.  The contract shall state the terms of employment.

The first two years of a contract issued to a newly employed superintendent shall be considered a probationary period.  The board may waive this period or the probationary period may be extended for an additional year upon the consent of the superintendent.  In the event of termination of a probationary or nonprobationary contract, the board shall afford the superintendent appropriate due process, including notice by May 15.  The superintendent and board may mutually agree to terminate the superintendent's contract at any time.

If a superintendent's contract is not being renewed by the board, the contract will be extended automatically for additional one-year periods beyond the end of its term until it is modified or terminated as mutually agreed to by the parties or until the superintendent's contract is terminated consistent with statutory termination procedures.

It shall be the responsibility of the board to provide the contract for the position of superintendent.

If the superintendent wishes to resign, to be released from a contract, or to retire, the superintendent must comply with board policies dealing with retirement, release or resignation.

Legal Reference:  Cook v Plainfield Community School District, 301 N.W.2d 771 (Iowa App. 1980).
                                       Board of Education of Fort Madison Community School District v. Youel, 282 N.W.2d 677 (Iowa 1979).
                                       Briggs v Board of Directors of Hinton Community School District, 282 N.W.2d 740 (Iowa 1979).
                                       Luse v. Waco Community School District of Henry Co., 258 Iowa 1087, 141 N.W.2d 607 (1966).
                                       Iowa Code §§ 21.5(1)(i); 279.20, .22-.25 (1995).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.4(4).

Cross Reference:  302  Superintendent

Approved  11/13/95                
Reviewed 10/18/21                  
Revised            

The board has complete discretion to set the salary of the superintendent.  It shall be the responsibility of the board to set the salary and benefits of the superintendent at a level that will include consideration of, but not be limited to, the economic condition of the school district and the training, experience, skill, and demonstrated competence of the superintendent.  The salary shall be set at the beginning of each contract term.

In addition to the salary and benefits, the superintendent's actual and necessary expenses shall be paid by the school district when the superintendent is performing work-related duties.  It shall be within the discretion of the board to pay dues to professional organizations for the superintendent.

The board may approve the payment of dues and other benefits or compensation over and above the superintendent's contract.  Approval of dues and other benefits or compensation shall be included in the records of the board in accordance with board policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .20 (1995).
                                       1984 Op. Att'y Gen. 47.

Cross Reference:  302  Superintendent

Approved   11/13/95               
Reviewed 10/18/21          
Revised            

 The board employs a superintendent of schools to serve as the chief executive officer of the board.  The board delegates to the superintendent the authority to implement board policy and to execute decisions made by the board concerning the internal operations of the school district, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The superintendent shall be responsible for the implementation and execution of board policy and the observance of board policy by employees and students.  The superintendent shall be responsible for overall supervision and discipline of employees and the education program.

In executing the above-stated duties, the superintendent shall consider the financial situation of the school district as well as the needs of the students.  Specifically the superintendent:

• Interprets and implements all board policies and all state and federal laws relevant to education;
• Supervises, either directly or through delegation, all activities of the school system according to, and consistent with, the policies of the board;
• Represents the board as a liaison between the school district and the community;
• Establishes and maintains a program of public relations to keep the public well-informed of the activities and needs of the school district, effecting a wholesome and cooperative working relationship between the school district and the community;
• Attends and participates in all meetings of the board, except when the superintendent's employment or salary is under consideration, and makes recommendations affecting the school district;
• Reports to the board on such matters as deemed material to the understanding and proper management of the school district or as the board may request;
• Assumes responsibility for the overall financial planning of the district and for the preparation of the annual budget, and submits it to the board for review and approval;
• Establishes and maintains efficient procedures and effective controls for all expenditures of school district funds in accordance with the adopted budget, subject to the direction and approval of the board;
• Files, or causes to be filed, all reports required by law;
• Makes recommendations to the board for the selection of employees for the school district;
• Makes and records assignments and transfers of all employees pursuant to their qualifications;
• Employs such employees as may be necessary, within the limits of budgetary provisions and subject to the board's approval;
• Recommends to the board, for final action, the promotion, salary change, demotion, or dismissal of any employee;
• Prescribes rules for the classification and advancement of students, and for the transfer of students from one building to another in accordance with board policies;
• Summons employees of the school district to attend such regular and occasional meetings as are necessary to carry out the education program of the school district;
• Supervises methods of teaching, supervision, and administration in effect in the schools;
• Attends such conventions and conferences as are necessary to keep informed of the latest educational trends;
• Accepts responsibility for the general efficiency of the school system, for the development of the employees, and for the educational growth and welfare of the students;
• Defines educational needs and formulates policies and plans for recommendation to the board;
• Makes administrative decisions necessary for the proper functioning of the school district;
• Responsible for scheduling the use of buildings and grounds by all groups and/or organizations;
• Acts as the purchasing agent for the board, and establishes procedures for the purchase of books, materials and supplies;
• Approves vacation schedules for employees;
• Conducts periodic district administration meetings; and,
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the board.
• Supervises the establishment or modification of the boundaries of school attendance and transportation areas subject to approval of the board.
• Directs studies of buildings and sites, taking into consideration population trends and the educational and cultural needs of the district in order to ensure timely decisions by the board and the electorate regarding construction and renovation projects.

This list of duties shall not act to limit the board's authority and responsibility over the superintendent.  In executing these duties and others the board may delegate, the superintendent shall consider the school district's financial condition as well as the needs of the students in the school district.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .20 (1995).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.4(4).

Cross Reference:  209  Board of Directors' Management Procedures
                                       301  Administrative Structure
                                       302  Superintendent

Approved  7/10/89     
Reviewed  10/18/21     
Revised  11/13/95   

 The board will conduct an ongoing evaluation of the superintendent's skills, abilities, and competence.  At a minimum, the board will formally evaluate the superintendent on an annual basis.  The goal of the superintendent's formal evaluation is to ensure the education program for the students is carried out, promote growth in effective administrative leadership, clarify the superintendent's role, clarify the immediate priorities of the board, and develop a working relationship between the board and the superintendent. This policy supports and does not preclude the ongoing, informal evaluation of the superintendent's skills, abilities and competence.

The superintendent will be an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by:

• Mission, Vision and Core Values:  Develop, advocate and enact a shared mission, vision, and core values of high-quality education and academic success and well-being of each student.
• Ethics and Professional Norms:  Act ethically and according to professional norms to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
• Equity and Cultural Responsiveness:  Strive for equity of educational opportunity and culturally responsive practices to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
• Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment:  Develop and support intellectually rigorous and coherent systems of curriculum, instruction and assessment to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
• Community Care and Support for Students:  Cultivate an inclusive, caring and supportive school community that promotes the academic success and well-being of each student.
• Professional Capacity of School Personnel:  Develop the professional capacity and practice of school personnel to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
• Professional Community for Teachers and Staff:  Foster a professional community of teachers and professional staff to promote each student’s academic success and well-being. 
• Meaningful Engagement of Families and Community:  Engage families and the community in meaningful, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial ways to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
• Operations and Management:  Manage school operations and resources to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
• School Improvement:  Act as an agent of continuous improvement to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
•  

The formal evaluation will be based upon the following principles:

·    The evaluation criteria will be in writing, clearly stated and mutually agreed upon by the board and the superintendent.  The criteria will be related to the job description, the Iowa Standards for School Leaders,  the school district's goals, and the goals of the administrator’s individual professional development plan.

·    At a minimum, the evaluation process will be conducted annually at a time agreed upon;

·    Each board member will have an opportunity to individually evaluate the superintendent, and these individual evaluations will be compiled into an overall evaluation from the entire board;

·    The superintendent will conduct a self-evaluation prior to discussing the board's evaluation, and the board as a whole will discuss its evaluation with the superintendent;

·    The board may discuss its evaluation of the superintendent in closed session upon a request from the superintendent and if the board determines its discussion in open session will needlessly and irreparably injure the superintendent's reputation; and,

·    The individual evaluation by each board member, if individual board members so desire, will not be reviewed by the superintendent.  Board members are encouraged, however, to communicate their criticisms and concerns to the superintendent in the closed session.  The board president will develop a written summary of the individual evaluations, including both the strengths and the weaknesses of the superintendent, and place it in the superintendent's personnel file to be incorporated into the next cycle of evaluations.

Legal Reference:  Wedergren v. Board of Directors, 307 N.W.2d 12 (                                    Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .20, .23, .23A.
                                        281 I.A.C. Ch. 83; 12.3(4). 1981).
        Iowa

Cross Reference:  212       Closed Sessions
                                        302       Superintendent

Approved  7/10/89        
Reviewed  10/18/21          
Revised  10/18/21   

The board encourages the superintendent to continue professional growth by being involved in professional organizations, attending conferences, continuing education, and participating in other professional activities.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to arrange the superintendent's schedule in order to enable attendance at various conferences and events.  If a conference or event requires the superintendent to be absent from the office for more than three days, requires overnight traveling, or involves unusual expense, the superintendent shall bring it to the attention of the board president prior to attending the event.

The superintendent shall report to the board after an event.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.7.

Cross Reference:  303.7  Administrator Professional Development
                                       401.7  Employee Travel Compensation

Approved  11/13/95                
Reviewed 10/18/21             
Revised            

The board encourages the superintendent to be involved in the school district community by belonging to school district community organizations and attending and participating in school district community activities.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to become involved in school district community activities and events.  The board may include a lump sum amount as part of the superintendent's compensation to be used specifically for paying the annual fees of the superintendent for school district community activities and events if, in the board's judgment, the superintendent's participation will further the public purpose of promoting and deriving support for the school district and public education in general.  It shall be within the discretion of the board to pay annual fees for professional organizations and activities.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).
                                       1990 Op. Att'y Gen. 79.

Cross Reference:  302.3  Superintendent Salary and Other Compensation
                                       303.8  Administrator Civic Activities

Approved  11/13/95                
Reviewed 10/18/21              
Revised            

The superintendent's position is considered full-time employment.  The board expects the superintendent to give the responsibilities of the position precedence over other employment.  The superintendent may accept consulting or outside employment for pay as long as, in the judgment of the board, the work is conducted on the superintendent's personal time and it does not interfere with the performance of the superintendent's duties contracted by the board.

The board reserves the right, however, to request that the superintendent cease the outside employment as a condition of continued employment.  The board shall give the superintendent thirty days notice to cease outside employment.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .20 (1995).

Cross Reference:  302.2  Superintendent Contract and Contract Nonrenewal
                                       302.4  Superintendent Duties

Approved  11/13/95     
Reviewed  10/18/21             
Revised            

The school district shall have, in addition to the superintendent, other administrative positions:

Elemenatry/Secondary Principal(s).  These administrators shall work closely with the superintendent in the day-to-day operations of the school district.

It shall be the responsibility of these administrators to uphold board policy, to instill a positive, cooperative environment with employees, and to share their expertise with each other and the board under the management team concept.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .20, .21, .23-.24 (1995).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.4.

Cross Reference:  301  Administrative Structure
                                       303  Administrative Employees

Approved  7/10/89     
Reviewed  10/18/21     
Revised  12/08/14  

 The board will employ building principals and other administrators, in addition to the superintendent, to assist in the daily operations of the school district.

The board will consider applicants who meet or exceed the standards set by the Iowa Department of Education and the qualifications established in the job description for the position.  In employing an administrator, the board shall consider the qualifications, credentials and records of the applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability.  In keeping with the law, however, the board will consider the veteran status of the applicants.  The board will look closely at the training, experience, skill and demonstrated competence of qualified applicants in making its final decision.

In choosing an administrator, the board will also consider the school district's educational philosophy, financial condition, organizational structure, education programs, and other factors deemed relevant by the board.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation to the board for filling an administrative position, based on the requirements stated in this policy.  The board shall act only on the superintendent's recommendation.

The board may contract for assistance in the search for administrators.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .21 (2007).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.4.
                                       1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 367.

Cross Reference:  303  Administrative Employees

Approved  7/10/89        
Reviewed  10/18/21     
Revised  09/08/08  

The length of the contract for employment between an administrator and the board shall be determined by the board and stated in the contract.  The contract shall also state the terms of the employment.

The first two years of a contract issued to a newly employed administrator shall be considered a probationary period.  The board may waive this period.  The probationary period may be extended for an additional year upon the consent of the administrator.  In the event of termination of a probationary or nonprobationary contract, the board shall afford the administrator appropriate due process, including notice by May 15.  The administrator and board may mutually agree to terminate the administrator's contract.

If an administrator's contract is not being renewed by the board, the contract will be extended automatically for additional one-year periods beyond the end of its term until it is modified or terminated as mutually agreed to by the parties or until the administrator's contract is terminated consistent with statutory termination procedures.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to create a contract for each administrative position.

Administrators who wish to resign, to be released from a contract, or to retire, must comply with board policies regarding the areas of resignation, release or retirement.

Legal Reference:  Cook v Plainfield Community School District, 301 N.W.2d 771 (Iowa App. 1980).
                                       Board of Education of Fort Madison Community School District v Youel, 282 N.W.2d 677 (Iowa 1979).
                                       Briggs v Board of Education of Hinton Community School District, 282 N.W.2d 740 (Iowa 1979).
                                       Iowa Code §§ 279.20, .22-.25 (1995).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.4(4), .4(7).

Cross Reference:  303  Administrative Employees

Approved  7/10/89     
Reviewed  10/18/21     
Revised  11/13/95  

The board has complete discretion to set the salary of the administrators.  It shall be the responsibility of the board to set the salary and benefits of the administrators at a level that will include consideration of, but not be limited to, the economic condition of the school district and the training, experience, skill, and demonstrated competence of the administrators.  The salary shall be set at the beginning of each contract period.

In addition to the salary and benefits agreed upon, the administrator's actual and necessary expenses shall be paid by the school district when the administrator is performing work-related duties.  The board shall approve the payment of other benefits or compensation over and above the administrator's contract.  Approval of other benefits or items of an administrator's compensation shall be included in the records of the board in accordance with board policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.21 (1995).
                                       1984 Op. Att'y Gen. 47.

Cross Reference:  303  Administrative Employees

Approved  11/13/95                
Reviewed 10/18/21                        
Revised            

Administrators shall be hired by the board to assist the superintendent in the day-to-day operations of the school district.

Each attendance center shall have a building principal responsible for the administration and operation of the attendance center.  Each building principal, as chief administrator of the assigned attendance center, shall be responsible for the building and grounds, for the students and employees assigned to the attendance center, for school activities at the attendance center, for the education program offered in the attendance center, and the budget for the attendance center.  The principal shall be considered the professional advisor to the superintendent in matters pertaining to the attendance center supervised by the principal.  Although the principals serve under the direction of the superintendent, duties of the principal may include, but not be limited to the following:

• Cooperate in the general organization and plan of procedure in the school under the principal's supervision;

• Supervision of the teachers in each principal's attendance center;

• Maintain the necessary records for carrying out delegated duties;

• Work with the superintendent in rating, recommending and selecting supervised employees whenever possible;

• Work with the superintendent in determining the education program to be offered and in arranging the schedules.  As much of the schedule as possible should be made before school closes for summer vacation.  In the matter of courses offered, the final approval rests with the superintendent who is in turn responsible to the board;

• Ensure that proper care is taken of all school books, supplies, materials, equipment, furniture and facilities;

• Instruct teachers to make a complete annual inventory of all school property contained in their individual rooms.  This inventory shall be reviewed and filed with the board secretary;

• Investigate excessive cases of absence or tardiness of students and notify the parents or guardians of unexcused absence or tardiness.  All such cases shall be reported to the superintendent;

• Make such reports from time to time as the superintendent may require;

• Maintain the regular schedule of school hours established by the board and make no temporary changes in the schedule without the consent of the superintendent;

• Promptly notify the superintendent whenever ventilation, sanitation or heating of the building is unsatisfactory;

• Contribute to the formation and implementation of general policies and procedures of the school;

• Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the superintendent of schools.

This list of duties shall not act to limit the board's authority and responsibility over the position of the administrators.  In executing these duties and others the board may delegate, the administrators shall consider the school district's financial condition as well as the needs of the students in the school district.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .21 (1995).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.4(5), .4(6), .4(7).

Cross Reference:  301  Administrative Structure
                                       303  Administrative Employees

Approved  7/10/89     
Reviewed  10/18/21     
Revised  11/13/95  

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .21-.23A.
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.3(3); ch 83.

Cross Reference:  303       Administrative Employees

Approved  7/10/89        
Reviewed  10/18/21          
Revised  10/18/21  

The board encourages the administrators to continue their professional growth by becoming involved in professional organizations, attending conferences, continuing their education, and participating in other professional activities.

It shall be the responsibility of the administrators to arrange their schedules in order to attend various conferences and events in which they are involved.  Prior to attendance at an event, the administrator must receive approval from the superintendent. 

The administrator shall report to the superintendent after an event.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.7.

Cross Reference:  302.6  Superintendent Professional Development
                                       401.7  Employee Travel Compensation

Approved  11/13/95      
Reviewed 10/18/21              
Revised   10/11/10         

The board encourages the administrators to be involved in the school district community by belonging to community organizations, and by attending and participating in school district community activities.

It shall be the responsibility of the administrators to become involved in school district community activities and events.  The board may include a lump sum amount as part of the administrator's compensation to be used specifically for paying the annual fees of the administrator for school district community activities and events if, in the board's judgment, the administrator's participation will further the public purpose of promoting and deriving support for the school district and public education in general.  It shall be within the discretion of the board to pay annual fees for professional organizations and activities.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).
                                       1990 Op. Att'y Gen. 79.

Cross Reference:  302.7  Superintendent Civic Activities

Approved   11/13/95               
Reviewed 10/18/21             
Revised            

An administrative position is considered full-time employment.  The board expects administrators to give the responsibilities of their positions in the school district precedence over other employment.  An administrator may accept consulting or outside employment for pay as long as, in the judgment of the board and the superintendent, the work is conducted on the administrator's personal time and it does not interfere with the performance of the administrative duties contracted by the board.

The board reserves the right, however, to request the administrator cease the outside employment as a condition of continued employment.  The board shall give the administrator thirty days notice to cease outside employment.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .21 (1995).

Cross Reference:  303.3  Administrator Contract and Contract Nonrenewal
                                       303.5  Administrator Duties

Approved  11/13/95                
Reviewed 10/18/21              
Revised            

Administrative regulations may be necessary to implement board policy.  It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations.

In developing the administrative regulations, the superintendent may consult with administrators or others likely to be affected by the regulations.  Once the regulations are developed, employees, students and other members of the school district community shall be informed in a manner determined by the superintendent.

The board shall be kept informed of the administrative regulations utilized and their revisions.  The board may review and recommend change of administrative regulations prior to their use in the school district if they are contrary to the intent of board policy.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to enforce administrative regulations.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (1995).

Cross Reference:  209    Board of Directors' Management Procedures
                                       304.2  Monitoring of Administrative Regulations

Approved  11/13/95      
Reviewed 10/18/21              
Revised            

 The administrative regulations shall be monitored and revised when necessary.  It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to monitor and revise the administrative regulations.

The superintendent may rely on the board, administrators, employees, students, and other members of the school district community to inform the superintendent about the effect of and possible changes in the administrative regulations.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .20 (1995).

Cross Reference:  209    Board of Directors' Management Procedures
                                       304.1  Development and Enforcement of Administrative Regulations

Approved  11/13/95                
Reviewed  10/18/21             
Revised