Policy: 1620

Section: 1000 - Board of Directors

Title: The Board-Superintendent Relationship

Status: Active

Adopted: September 17, 1981

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The Board-Superintendent Relationship

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 powers expressly required and implied by law. The superintendent is the board’s professional advisor, to whom the board delegates executive responsibility, including such powers 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), is responsible for the administration of the schools under applicable laws and policies of the district. The board delineates the duties of the superintendent and uses 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 does not relieve the superintendent of responsibility for the actions taken under such a delegation.

In order to perform their responsibilities, board members must be familiar with the operations within the schools. The superintendent will establish communication procedures which can enhance the board member’s understanding of student programs and school operations.

Legal References: 

RCW28A.320.010 Corporate powers

RCW28A.330.100 Additional powers of the board (First Class Districts Only)

RCW28A.400.010 Employment of superintendent — Superintendent’s qualifications, general powers, term, contract renewal

RCW28A.400.030 Superintendent’s duties

 

Management Resources:

 Policy& Legal News, February 2013 Policy Revisions

 

Adoption Date: 09.17.81

Ferndale School District

Revised: 09.22.94; 04.29.14