It is the superintendent’s responsibility to organize, reorganize and arrange the administrative and supervisory staff of the district in a fashion, which in the superintendent’s judgment, best serves the interest of the district based upon board approval.

The organizational structure of the district shall be illustrated by a chart.  The chart represents the direction of authority and responsibility.  The chart shall be regarded as visual representation of contracted authority and responsibility of each line and staff position.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991)

Cross Reference:  301        Administrative Structure
                                       302        Administrative Relationships

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:  4-8-02

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:  6-14-99

The Board of Directors considers all those who have an effective role in the recruitment or release of teachers to be part of the management team.  The management team shall be headed by the superintendent who shall convene meetings to discuss district policies, administrative procedures and other such business as shall be brought to the superintendent’s attention or which is deemed appropriate.

The management team shall meet with the Board occasionally to review overall operations of the district and conditions affecting the management team.  The management team shall have no relationship to any formal negotiating unit.  In the event a member or members of the management team are unable to resolve a problem, a committee of one Board member, one management team member, and the superintendent may investigate the circumstances and make a recommendation for the solution.  If the solution proposed does not settle the matter, the full Board and the full management team may meet to resolve the matter; the advice of outside management consultants may be employed.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991)

Cross Reference:  301        Administrative Structure
                                       302        Administrative Relationships

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:  4-08-02

The superintendent, as the executive officer of the Board of Directors, shall work closely with the Board members, particularly the Board president, to keep the Board informed about school district operations.  The Board shall maintain contact with other administrators through the superintendent.

The administrators and other administrative personnel shall work with the Board of Directors through its executive officer, the superintendent.  The administration, working with the Board of Directors, shall assist the Board by gathering information, as requested by the Board, informing the Board about school district operations, implementing board policy and making recommendations.

The superintendent, unless excused by the Board president, and the principals, unless excused by the superintendent, shall attend each board meeting.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, .20, .21, .23, .24 (1991)
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.4(4)

Cross Reference:  301        Administrative Structure
                                       302        Administration and Relationships
                                       306        Policy Implementation

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:             

As managers of the school district, the administration shall recommend for employment the school district personnel, supervise them, and evaluate their performance.  Complaints or requests by district personnel shall first be reported to their direct supervisor for resolution.  It shall be the responsibility of the administration to resolve complaints and handle requests.

It shall be the responsibility of the administration to foster a positive attitude and to promote a cooperative effort among school district personnel.  It shall also be the responsibility of the administration to prevent misunderstandings within the school district and the community about board policy.  It shall be the responsibility of each administrator to provide leadership to the personnel, and it shall be the responsibility of each district employee to work cooperatively with the administration to accomplish the educational philosophy of the school district.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, .20, .21, .23, .24 (1991)
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.4

Cross Reference:  301        Administrative Structure
                                       302        Administration and Relationships
                                       306        Policy Implementation

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:             

Efficiency and economics may be achieved by working with neighboring school districts in the offering of educational programs or in-service and the sharing of personnel.

The administration shall consider and explore opportunities to work with the adjoining school district to expand the opportunities for the students and personnel in the school district.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code Chapter 28E, §§279.8, 280.15, 442.39 (1991)

Cross Reference:  301        Administrative Structure
                                       302        Administration and Relationships
                                       306        Policy Implementation
                                       1007      Other Interdistrict Relations

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:             

The administration shall utilize the resources of the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency (AEA) on a selective basis, choosing to participate in high quality programs which specifically meet the needs of the school district.  This includes utilizing educational materials and staff resources.

The administration may also utilize the AEA to facilitate regional programming and cooperation as well as to purchase supplies.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent/designee to coordinate activities with the AEA.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code Chapter 28E, §§273.1, 279.8 (1991)

Cross Reference:  301        Administrative Structure
                                       302        Administration and Relationships
                                       306        Policy Implementation

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:  5-8-95

The Board shall employ a superintendent to serve as the executive officer of the Board of Directors, 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 shall only consider applicants that meet or exceed the standards set by the State Department of Education and the qualifications established in the job description for the position.  In employing a superintendent, the Board shall consider the qualifications, credentials, and records of the applicants without regard to race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, 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, budget, organizational structure, educational programs, licensed staff, and any factors about the school district 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
                                       42 U.S.C. §§2000e et seq
                                       Iowa Code Chapters, 20, 70, 601A, §§279.8, .20 (1991)
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.4(4)
                                       1980 Op. Att’y Gen. 367

Cross Reference:  200.3    Powers of the Board of Directors
                                       200.4    Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
                                       301        Administrative Structure
                                       303        Superintendent

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:  3-10-08

The length of the contract for employment between the superintendent and the board is determined by the board.  The contract will begin on July 1 and end on June 30.  The contract will state the terms of employment and shall not exceed three years.

The first three consecutive years of a contract issued to a newly employed superintendent is considered a probationary period.  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 will afford the superintendent appropriate due process, as required by law.  The superintendent and board may mutually agree to terminate the superintendent’s contract at any time.

It is the responsibility of the board to provide the contract for the superintendent.  The board may issue a temporary and nonrenewable contract in accordance with law. 

If the superintendent wishes to resign, to be released from a contract, or to retire, the superintendent must comply with applicable law and board policies. 

Legal Reference:  Martin v. Waterloo Community School District, 518 N.W. 2d 381 (Iowa 1994)
                                      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 §279
                                      281 I.A.C 12.4

Cross Reference:  302        Superintendent

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:  1-08-18

The Board has complete discretion to set the salary of the superintendent.  The Board shall set the salary and fringe benefits at a level mutually agreeable to both the Board and the superintendent.

It shall be the responsibility of the Board to set the salary 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 agreed upon at the beginning of each contract term.

In addition to the salary and benefits agreed upon, the superintendent’s actual and necessary expenses will be paid by the school district when the superintendent is performing school business.  The expenses include, but are not limited to, mileage and dues to professional organizations.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.20 (1991)

Cross Reference:  303        Superintendent

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:  5-8-95

The overall responsibility for the administration of the school system shall be delegated to the superintendent, who shall perform the various administrative functions in accord with the policies and actions of the Board of Directors.  The superintendent shall be vested with the necessary authority and be provided the appropriate personnel to carry out the broad responsibilities of the position.

The superintendent shall be authorized to organize the administration in such a matter as to facilitate the most efficient and effective operation of the District.  The superintendent shall have the discretion to delegate to other school personnel the exercise of any authority and the discharge of any responsibilities imposed upon the superintendent by law, agency regulations, or Board action.  The delegation of power or duty, however, shall not relieve the superintendent of accountability for the results of such delegation.

In addition to serving as chief administrator, the superintendent shall function as professional advisor to and chief executive officer of the Board of Directors.  As such, he shall be directly responsible to the Board for the execution of its policies and decisions, consistent with legal requirements and with ethical standards of the profession.  The superintendent shall have the power to make rules and render decisions, not in conflict with the law or with Board policies or actions.

The superintendent shall be permitted to attend all meetings of the Board and shall be granted the privilege of taking part in all deliberations, but shall not vote.

The responsibilities of the superintendent shall be enumerated more specifically in a job description which, however, shall not act to limit the broad authority and responsibilities of the office.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8. .20 (1991)
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.4(4)

Cross Reference:  200.3    Powers of the Board of Directors
                                       200.4    Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
                                       301        Administrative Structure
                                       303        Superintendent

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:             

The board will conduct an on-going 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.

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

• Facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community.
• Advocating, nurturing, and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional development.
• Ensuring management of the organization, operations and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.
• Collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs and mobilizing community resources.
• Acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.
• Understanding the profile of the community, and responding to and influencing the larger social, economic, legal, and political context.

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 and the school district’s goals;
• 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 by 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 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 weaknesses of the superintendent, and place it in the superintendent’s personnel file to be incorporated into the next cycle of evaluations.

This policy supports and does not preclude the ongoing, informal evaluation of the superintendent’s skills, abilities, and competence.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, .20, .23, .23A (1991)
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.3(4)

Cross Reference:  213        Closed Meetings of the Board of Directors
                                       302.1    Administration and the Board of Directors
                                       303        Superintendent

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:  12-15-08

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

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to arrange the superintendent’s schedule of events in order to enable attendance at various conferences and events.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991)
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.7, 85.12, 86.28, 88

Cross Reference:  219.2    Board of Directors Development and Training

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:             

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

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to become involved in community activities and events.  It shall be within the discretion of the Board to pay annual fees for involvement in any community organization.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991)

Cross Reference:  1007      Other Interdistrict Relations

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:             

If 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 (30) days notice to cease outside employment.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8, .20 (1991)

Cross Reference:  303.2    Superintendent Contract and Contract Non-Renewal
                                       303.4    Superintendent Duties

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:  5-8-95

The school district shall have, as an organizational structure, a Superintendent and an Elementary Principal.  The board has the right to combine these positions into one position if they believe it is best for district operation.

It shall be the responsibility of the administrators to uphold the policies of the Board, to instill a positive, cooperative environment with school district personnel, 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 (1991)
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.4

Cross Reference:  301        Administrative Structure
                                       304        Administrative Personnel

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  4-10-23              
Revised:  4-14-14

The Board shall employ a building principal and other administrators, in addition to the superintendent, to assist in the daily operations of the school district.

The Board shall only consider applicants that meet or exceed the standards set by the State Department of Education and qualifications set by the Board for the position.  In employing these administrators, the Board shall consider the qualifications, credentials, and records of the applicants without regard to race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, 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 all qualified applicants in making its final decision.

Also, as part of choosing a building principal or other administrator, the Board shall consider the school district’s educational philosophy, budget, organizational structure, educational programs, licensed staff, and any other factors about the school district 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 of administrators.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, .21 (1991)
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.4
                                       1980 Op. Att’y Gen. 367

Cross Reference:  304        Administrative Personnel

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  4-10-23              
Revised:  3-10-08

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

The first three consecutive years of a contract issued to a newly employed administrator will be considered a probationary 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 will afford the administrator appropriate due process, as required by law.  The administrator and board may mutually agree to terminate the administrator’s contract.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to create a contract for each administrative position.  The board may issue temporary and nonrenewable contracts in accordance with law. 

Administrators who wish to resign, to be released from a contract, or to retire, must comply with applicable law and board policies.

Legal Reference:  Martin v. Waterloo Community School District, 518 N.W. 2d 381 (Iowa 1994)
                                      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
                                      281 I.A.C. Code 12.4

Cross Reference:  303        Administrative Employees

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  3-13-23              
Revised:  1-08-18

The Board has complete discretion to set the salary of the principal.  The Board shall set the salary and fringe benefits at a level mutually agreeable to both the Board and the principal.

It shall be the responsibility of the Board to set the salary of the principal 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 principal.  The salary shall be agreed upon at the beginning of each contract period.

In addition to the salary and benefits agreed upon, the principal’s actual and necessary expenses will be paid by the school district when the principal is performing school business.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.21 (1991)

Cross Reference:  304        Administrative Personnel

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  4-10-23              
Revised:  4-8-02

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

The responsibilities and duties of the individual administrative positions shall be enumerated more specifically in job descriptions for each position.  These descriptions, however, shall not act to limit the responsibilities of the office as determined by the Board and the superintendent.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, .21 (1991)
                                      281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.4(5), .4(6), .4(7), 43, 58

Cross Reference:  301        Administrative Structure
                                      304        Administrative Personnel

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  4-10-23              
Revised:  4-8-02

The superintendent shall conduct an ongoing process of evaluating the principal on their skills, abilities, and competence.  Annually, the superintendent will formally evaluate the principal.  The goal of the formal evaluation process is to ensure the educational program for the students is carried out, promote growth in effective administrative leadership for the school district, clarify the principal’s role as the Board and the superintendent see it, as certain areas in need of improvement, clarify the immediate priorities of the responsibilities listed in the job description, and develop a working relationship between the superintendent and the principal.

The formal evaluation shall include written criteria related to the job description.  The formal evaluation shall also include an opportunity for the principal and the superintendent to discuss the written criteria, the past year’s performance and the future areas of growth.  The evaluation shall be completed by the superintendent, signed by the principal and filed in the principal’s personnel file.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to conduct formal evaluation of the probationary principal and non-probationary principals prior to April 30, at a time mutually agreeable to the administrators and the superintendent.

This policy supports and does not preclude the ongoing informal evaluation of the principal’s skills, abilities and competence.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, .21-.23A (1991)

Cross Reference:  302.1    Administration and the Board of Directors
                                       304        Administrative Personnel

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  4-10-23              
Revised:  4-8-02

The Board encourages the principals to continue their professional growth by becoming involved in professional organizations, attending conferences, continuing their education, and doing other professional activities.

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

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991)
                                       281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.7, 85.12, 86.4, .6, .8-.9, 88

Cross Reference:  303.6    Superintendent Professional Development

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  4-10-23              
Revised:  4-08-02

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

It shall be the responsibility of the principal to become involved in community activities and events.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991)

Cross Reference:  1007      Other Interdistrict Relations

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  4-10-23              
Revised:  4-8-02

An administrative position is considered full-time employment.  The Board expects principals to give the responsibilities of their positions in the school district precedence over other employment.  A principal 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 principal’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 principal cease the outside employment as a condition of continued employment.  The Board shall give the principal thirty (30) days notice to cease outside employment.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§279.8, .21 (1991)

Cross Reference:  304.3    Administrative Contract and Contract Non-Renewal            
                                       304.5    Administrative Duties

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  4-10-23              
Revised:  4-8-02

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 the administrators or others likely to be affected by the regulations.  Once the regulations are developed, school district personnel, 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, in the Board’s judgment, contrary to the intent of board policy.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to enforce the administrative regulations in an appropriate manner for the situation.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §279.8 (1991)

Cross Reference:  210        Board of Directors Management Procedures
                                       306.2    Monitoring of Administrative Regulations

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  4-10-23              
Revised:             

The administrative regulations shall be monitored, and revised when necessary.  It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to monitor and revise the school district’s administrative regulations.

The superintendent, in addition to the superintendent’s own knowledge, may rely on the Board, the administrators, school district personnel, 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 (1991)

Cross Reference:  210        Board of Directors Management Procedures
                                      306.1    Development and Enforcement of Administrative Regulations

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  4-10-23              
Revised:             

When there is no board policy in existence to provide guidance on a matter before the administration, the superintendent shall have the authority to exercise discretion based on the circumstances surrounding the situation.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §273.1, 279.8 (1991)

Cross Reference:  101        Educational Philosophy of the School District
                                       200.3    Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
                                       210        Board of Directors Management Procedures

Approved:  2-10-92              
Reviewed:  4-10-23              
Revised: