The Key Responsibilities of an ISD Superintendent
The superintendent of an ISD is responsible according to law and policy for ensuring that district policies are followed and for managing the district’s day-to-day work in order to serve the needs of students, teachers, parents and taxpayers.
Among other things, the superintendent is to:
Manage the ISD in the best interest of students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers.
Ensure that all students are provided with the right environment for meaningful learning -- that no student “stumbles.” “All students” includes students from disadvantaged or troubled backgrounds due to violence at home, poverty, homelessness, etc; gifted students; students with disabilities; those with behavioral problems; students at risk for dropping out; and students who are at risk for suicide, among others.
Plan for and ensure the resources of an ISD, and its community, are used effectively and efficiently for the students’ sake so those resources, including time, talent, buildings, tools - like textbooks, software, machinery, and AV equipment, and money, both taxed and donated, are not wasted.
Plan and take action for parents and the community being genuinely involved in the ISD. In other words, the superintendent should follow all policies relating to engaging students, parents, school personnel and the community in planning, and action to serve the needs of students, for the students’ sake.
Make certain that school principals, district and campus administrators as well as teachers have the resources and training they need to be effective, including training and technical support from the State -TEA and Universities in planning and decision- under policy and Texas law.
Show respect for the opinions of students. Schools are supposed to be serving students. Therefore, if they don’t feel that they are getting what they need, students should have an opportunity to share their concerns and to have them taken seriously. Students should be considered part of the solution. Disrespecting students’ ideas and issues can cause them to act out inside and outside class, become depressed, and feel disenfranchised from the education system.
Work in cooperation with local elected officials and policymakers at all levels of government on behalf of an ISD and its students.
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FIFTEEN GREAT RESULTS IF EDUCATION LEADERS DID THEIR JOBS
Education leaders would comply with their legal obligations according to the Texas Education Code and school district policies and would no longer violate the rights of students, parents, teachers and taxpayers.
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ELEVEN ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE NOW TO HELP IMPROVE EDUCATION IN YOUR ISD
Recognize that you have the right to expect the superintendent and members of the school board to work on behalf of students and to put their needs first.