NEPN/NSBA  Code: BDD

SCHOOL COMMITTEE-SUPERINTENDENT RELATIONSHIP

The School Committee believes that exercising its legislative function through policymaking is an important responsibility it takes seriously. The School Committee is also responsible for setting the direction for the school unit and evaluating progress toward goals.

The management of the schools is the function of the Superintendent. The School Committee holds the Superintendent responsible for complying with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations; for administering School Committee policies and decisions; for the operation of the schools and educational program; for the system of supervision and evaluation of staff; and for keeping the School Committee informed about school operations, problems, and opportunities. The School Committee recognizes that the Superintendent may delegate certain responsibilities to other personnel. Such delegation does not relieve the Superintendent of the final responsibility for actions taken.

The School Committee, collectively and as individual members:

A.  Recognizes the Superintendent as the educational leader of the school unit;

B.  Provides direction for the Superintendent through written policies, objectives, and goals for the school unit;

C.  Gives the Superintendent full administrative authority and support for properly discharging his/her professional duties, while holding him/her responsible for acceptable results;

D.  Holds all School Committee meetings in the presence of the Superintendent, except as otherwise permitted by law or when the Superintendent voluntarily excuses him/herself at the request of the School Committee.

E.  Refers complaints, criticisms, and requests to the Superintendent or other appropriate personnel and discuss them at School Committee meetings only after administrative solutions have been exhausted; and

F.  Evaluates the Superintendent and provides appropriate opportunities for the Superintendent to share his/her perceptions regarding the working relationship between the School Committee and Superintendent.

Legal Reference:     1 MRSA § 401 et seq.

20-A MRSA §§ 1001 et seq.; 1051 et seq.; 13201; 13301

Cross Reference:   BBA - School Committee Powers and Responsibilities 

BCA - School Committee Member Code of Ethics

CB - School Superintendent

CB-R - Superintendent Job Description 

CBI - Evaluation of the Superintendent

Adopted: February 25, 2008

Reviewed: September 12, 2011

Reviewed: November 3, 2014

Reviewed: August 22, 2016

Reviewed: April 4, 2022