Superintendent's Responsibilities

School Board Policy C-2.7 (available here) lists the responsibilities of the Superintendent and the expectations of the School Board:

In accomplishing the policy ends of the School Board, the Superintendent communicates a clear vision of educational excellence and continuous improvement consistent with the goals of the School Board’s Strategic Plan. In implementing School Board policy, the Superintendent promotes a healthy organization climate characterized by mutual trust, respect and open communication. The Superintendent ensures, as well, that school division practices, activities, and decisions are lawful, prudent and ethical. Bringing to the School Board for action all items required by the Code of Virginia, the Superintendent ensures that the School Board is informed and supported in its work in ways that are consistent with the policy on the Board-Superintendent Relationship.

Instruction

Ensure the development and delivery of instruction and instructional programs consistent with the goals and priorities of the School Board.
Ensure the development and delivery of instruction and instructional programs consistent with applicable laws, including the Virginia Standards of Quality, and with the Virginia Standards of Accreditation and Standards of Learning.
Ensure the development and provision of a variety of student support services (e.g., academic and psychological counseling) consistent with the goals and priorities of the School Board.
Ensure the provision of a safe, orderly environment conducive to learning in which all students, staff and parents are valued and respected.

Personnel Matters

Recruit, retain and develop staff of high quality.
Provide a competitive employment package.
Select the most qualified staff without regard to age, disability, race, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or affiliation with an employee organization.
Engender a high level of employee satisfaction and accomplishment.
Cultivate staff involvement in the development of educational initiatives and new policies as well as in the resolution of school system problems.
Administer fairly and equitably a manual of personnel procedures consistent with the educational mission of the public schools.
Provide safe, harassment-free work places.

Financial Planning and Management

Develop financial plans that are responsible and consistent with the School Board’s priorities.
Provide sufficient information on operating and capital budgets to enable credible projection
of revenues and expenditures and understanding of planning assumptions.
Ensure that planned expenditures fall within planned revenues.
Manage finances appropriately in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices.
Ensure that the assets of the public schools are protected and adequately maintained.
Maintain fiscal integrity and public confidence.

Assessment and Accountability

Provide systematic and appropriate assessment and reporting of student achievement and staff performance.
Provide appropriate assessment of system-wide plans, annual priorities, department plans and school plans.

Community Relations and Communication

Provide timely information that effectively communicates school performance, planning, instruction, budgets, construction, and opportunities for involvement.
Treat individuals fairly, respect their dignity, ensure their privacy and provide avenues for addressing their concerns.
Promote effective collaboration among schools and the community.
Provide timely information that addresses issues and concerns for the community as they arise or are anticipated to arise.

Decision-Making and Management

Promotes ethical decisions.
Identifies potential operating problems at an early stage.
Explores implications and options.
Implements timely, practical and cost-effective solutions to operating problems.
Provides effective management of the day-to-day operations of the school system.