The Superintendent shall be the executive officer of the Board of Directors and shall be directly responsible to it for the execution of its policies, for the faithful and efficient observance of its rules by all employees throughout the system, and for the enforcement of all provisions or the law relating to the operation for the school. 

The building principals and other administrators shall assist the superintendent and the board in the daily operation of the school district.

In this series of the board policy manual, the board defines the role and the employment of school district administrators.  Policies in the 400 Series, “Employees,” also apply to administrators unless a more specific policy exists in the 300 Series, “Administration.”

 

 

(December 12, 1979; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016, April 23, 2019)

 

The Superintendent shall meet the certification requirements as designated by the Iowa Department of Education and shall include sufficient educational background and experiences to warrant recommendation for employment. 

 

 

(December 12, 1979; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016, April 23, 2019)

 

The Board of Directors may employ a Superintendent of schools. The contract will state the length of the contract and the terms of employment. The Board has complete discretion to set the salary of the Superintendent. The salary is set at the beginning of each contract term.

The Board, as needed, may engage in a search for applicants for the position of Superintendent of schools.  The services of a consultant may be engaged to assist in screening and/or selecting candidates to be interviewed by the Board.

 

 

(June 15, 1992; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016, April 23, 2019)

 

The board encourages the Superintendent to continue professional growth by becoming involved in professional organizations, attending conferences, continuing the superintendent’s education, and participating in other professional activities.  The board may pay dues to professional organizations and professional activities for the Superintendent

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to arrange their schedules in order to enable superintendent’s attendance at various conferences and events.  If a conference or event requires the superintendent to be absent from the office for more than three days, requires overnight traveling, or involves unusual expense, the superintendent shall bring it to the attention of the board prior to attending the event.

The superintendent shall report to the board about each event attended.

 

 

 (April 17, 1989; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016, April 23, 2019)

 

The Board employs a Superintendent to serve as the chief executive officer of the school district.  The Board delegates to the Superintendent the authority to implement board policy and to execute decisions made by the board concerning the internal operations of the school district, unless specifically stated otherwise.

The Superintendent shall:

1. Be in all respects the chief executive officer of the Board of Directors except as otherwise provided by law; have the power to make rules not in conflict with law or the policies of the Board of Directors and decide all matters of administrative and supervisory detail in connection with the operation and maintenance of the schools.
2. Be directly responsible to the Board of Directors and be expected to initiate and direct the development of policies for the approval of the Board of Directors and to delegate such responsibility to associates and subordinates as may be deemed desirable.
3. In order to assist the Board of Directors in reaching sound judgments, establishing policies, and approving those matters which the law requires the Board of Directors to approve, be responsible for placing before the Board of Directors necessary and helpful facts, comparisons, investigations, information, and reports and for making available at the proper time the personal advice on special or technical matters of those persons who, in the opinion of the Superintendent or that of the Board of Directors or the President, are particularly qualified to furnish it.
4. Interpret and implement all policies established by the Board and state and federal laws relevant to education.
5. Have the power to recommend the appointment, assignment, transfer, promotion, demotion, discharge, and/or suspension of all employees of the Board of Directors as provided by law and the policies of the Board of directors, with such recommendations reported to the Board of Directors for final approval and confirmation.
6. Through the staff, direct, assign, and assist all teachers and all other educational employees in the performance of their duties; classify, assign, and control the promotion of students; and perform such other duties as the Board of Directors determine.
7. Direct the work of the professional staff in the evaluation of curriculum and textbooks and, upon the basis of such study, make recommendations for consideration and judgment.
8. Supervise the establishment or modification of the boundaries of school attendance and transportation areas subject to approval of the Board of Directors.
9. Direct and preparation of an annual budget showing the estimated receipts and disbursements necessary to cover the total needs of the district for the ensuing year and submit the estimate to the Board of Directors in accordance with the requirements of the law.
10. Approve and direct, in accordance with the law and rules of the Board of Directors, purchases and expenditures, within the limits of the detailed budget approved by the Board of Directors.
11. Direct the formulation of salary programs and make recommendations regarding same to the Board of Directors and after their adoption by the Board of Directors, assign salaries to personnel on the basis of said program.
12. Exercise leadership in directing necessary studies of sites and buildings, taking into consideration the population trend and the educational and cultural needs of the district to assure timely decisions by the Board of Directors and electorate regarding construction and renovation projects.
13. Represent the district as its chief executive officer in all dealings with other school systems, social institutions, business firms, agencies of government, and the general public.
14. Keep the public informed about educational practices, educational trends, and the practices and problems in the school district.
15. Develop alternatives for education of all personnel and inform them of the plan and procedures to be involved.
16. Assist the management team and Board of Directors in establishing the strategies for collective bargaining.
17. Attend and participate in all meetings of the Board of Directors, except when the Superintendent has been excused, and makes recommendations affecting the school district.
18. Perform all other duties which may be necessary to insure the proper functioning of the educational program of the district and which are incident to the position of district Superintendent and the chief executive officer of the Board of Directors.

Specific enumeration of the duties of the Superintendent as detailed above shall not limit the Board of Director’s authority and responsibility of the office of Superintendent. 

 

 

(December 17, 1979; June 15, 1992; May, 2002; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016, April 23, 2019)

 

The South Tama County School District agrees, as a further condition of the Superintendent’s employment contract, that it shall defend, hold harmless, and indemnify the Superintendent from any and all demands, claims, suits, actions, and legal proceedings brought against the Superintendent in his individual capacity, or in his official capacity as agent and employee of the District, provided the incident arose while the Superintendent was acting within the scope of his employment and provided such coverage is consistent with the District’s insurance policy.

If in the good faith opinion of the Superintendent, a conflict exists as regards the defense to such claim between the legal position of the superintendent and the legal position of the District, the Superintendent may engage counsel in which event the District shall indemnify the Superintendent for the costs of legal defense to the extent such coverage is consistent with the District’s insurance policy.

 

 

 (June 23, 1986; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

The Director of Curriculum and any Shared Curriculum personnel shall meet the certification requirements as designated by the Iowa Department of Education and shall include sufficient educational background and experiences to warrant recommendation for employment by the Superintendent.

 

 

 (September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

The Director of Curriculum and any Shared Curriculum personnel may be employed by the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.  The contract will state the length of the contract and the terms of employment.  In the case of Shared Curriculum personnel, the Board may establish a sharing agreement to provide for shared services with another public entity.

 

 

(September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

The Director of Curriculum shall, subject to the policies of the Board of Directors and regulations set forth by the Superintendent, perform such tasks and assume such responsibilities as designated by the Superintendent.

Any Shared Curriculum personnel shall:

1. Subject to the policies of the Board of Directors and regulations set forth by the Superintendent, perform such tasks and assume such responsibilities as designated by the Superintendent.
2. Keep abreast of changes and developments in the profession by attending professional meetings, reading professional journals and other publications and discussing problems of mutual interest with others in the field.
3. Work with Director of Curriculum to coordinate the development, revision, and alignment of curriculum. 

 

 (December 17, 1979; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

The Director of Business Affairs shall meet the certification requirements as designated by the Iowa Department of Education and shall demonstrate a knowledge and operational expertise in school finance, food service, transportation, personnel administration, and building and grounds management to warrant recommendation for employment by the Superintendent. 

 

 

(December 17, 1979; September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

The Director of Business Affairs may be employed by the Board of Directors upon recommendation of the Superintendent.  The contract will state the length of the contract and the terms of employment. 

 

 

(December 17, 1979; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

The Director of Business Affairs shall:

1. Subject to the policies of the Board of Directors and regulations set forth by the Superintendent, be responsible for transportation, food service, building and grounds, and Support Staff personnel and assume responsibility for budget development and administration as determined by the Superintendent.
2. Develop and administer a program for purchasing supplies and equipment.
3. Maintain an up-to-date inventory of school property.
4. Manage the district’s insurance program.
5. Perform other duties which may be determined by the Superintendent and/or the Board of Directors. 

 

 

 (December 17, 1979; August 21, 1989; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

303.05: Administrator Duties

 

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

 

Each attendance center will have a building principal responsible for the administration and operation of the attendance center. Each building principal, as chief administrator of the assigned attendance center, is responsible for the building and grounds, for the students and employees assigned to the attendance center, for school activities at the attendance center, for the education program offered in the attendance center, and the budget for the attendance center. The principal is considered the professional advisor to the superintendent in matters pertaining to the attendance center supervised by the principal. Although the principals serve under the direction of the superintendent, duties of the principal may include, but not be limited to the following:

 

• Cooperate in the general organization and plan of procedure in the school under the principal's supervision;

• Supervision of the teachers in the principal's attendance center;

• Maintain the necessary records for carrying out delegated duties;

• Work with the superintendent in rating, recommending and selecting supervised employees whenever possible;

• Work with the superintendent in determining the education program to be offered and in arranging the schedules. As much of the schedule as possible should be made before school closes for summer vacation. In the matter of courses offered, the final approval rests with the superintendent who is in turn responsible to the board;

• Ensure that proper care is taken of all school books, supplies, materials, equipment, furniture and facilities;

• Instruct teachers to make a complete annual inventory of all school property contained in their individual rooms. This inventory is reviewed and filed with the board secretary;

• Investigate excessive cases of absence or tardiness of students and notify the parents or guardians of unexcused absence or tardiness. All such cases should be reported to the superintendent;

• Make such reports from time to time as the superintendent may require;

• Maintain the regular schedule of school hours established by the board and make no temporary changes in the schedule without the consent of the superintendent;

• Promptly notify the superintendent whenever ventilation, sanitation or heating of the building is unsatisfactory;

• Contribute to the formation and implementation of general policies and procedures of the school;

• Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the superintendent of schools. 

This list of duties will not act to limit the board's authority and responsibility over the position of the administrators. In executing these duties and others the board may delegate, the administrators will consider the school district's financial condition as well as the needs of the students in the school district. 

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .21, .23A.

 

Approved: December 18, 2023

Reviewed: December 18, 2023

Revised: December 18, 2023

 

Principals and Associate Principals shall meet the certification requirements as designated by the Iowa Department of Education and shall include sufficient educational background and experiences to warrant recommendation for employment by the Superintendent. 

 

 

(December 17, 1979; September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

Principals and Associate Principals may be employed by the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.  The contract will state the length of the contract and the terms of employment. 

 

 

(December 17, 1979; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

The board encourages the building principals and associate principals to continue their professional growth by becoming involved in professional organizations, attending conferences, continuing their education, and participating in other professional activities.  The board may pay dues to professional organizations and professional activities for the building principals and associate principals.

It shall be the responsibility of the building principals and associate principals to arrange their schedules in order to attend various conferences and events.  Prior to the attendance at events, the building principal and associate principal must have received approval from the Superintendent.

The building principal and associate principal shall report to the Superintendent about each event attended. 

 

 

(April 17, 1989; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

Building Principals shall:

1. Subject to the policies of the board of Directors and regulations set forth by the Superintendent or other central administrative personnel on behalf of the Superintendent be the administrative leader of each assigned school building and, as such, assume full responsibility for all aspects of the school program for that school building.
2. Interpret the policies of the Board of Directors and administrative directives and discuss and resolve individual student problems.
3. Establish and maintain favorable relationships with local community groups and individuals to foster understanding and solicit support for overall school objectives and programs.
4. Keep abreast of changes and developments in the profession by attending professional meetings, reading professional journals and other publications, and discussing problems of mutual interest with others in the field.
5. Evaluate and counsel all staff members regarding their individual and group performance (individual performance improvement should be considered a priority during evaluative and counseling periods) and be responsible for monitoring the performance of a teacher whose work is unsatisfactory, according to established procedures.
6. Assist in the recruiting, screening, hiring, training, and assigning of the professional staff.
7. Assume responsibility for the safety and administration of the building’s plant.
8. Be responsible for the development, revision, and evaluation of the curriculum.
9. Supervise the maintenance of accurate records on the progress and attendance of students.
10. Be responsible for and coordinate the school’s pupil personnel services.
11. Promote positive action toward the realization of school district goals through efficient procedures including the involvement of staff, students, and community.
12. Implement and execute systems of budget-planning, record-keeping, and report-making that serve the needs of the school and the community.
13. Maintain a program for personal and staff professional growth, cooperation, and self-renewal that stimulates creativity and innovation.
14. Systematically evaluate and improve programs that enhance student learning, that respond to student and community needs, and that reflect the participation of those affected in their development. 

 

Associate Principals shall:

1. Subject to the policies of the Board of Directors and regulations set forth by the Superintendent, perform such tasks and assume such responsibilities as designated by the principals.
2. Serve as Principal in the absence of the Principal.
3. Assist the Principal in the overall administration of the school.

 

 

(December 17, 1979; August 21, 1989; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016)

 

305 - Administrator Code of Ethics

 

Administrators, as part of the educational leadership in the school district community, represent the views of the school district. Their actions, verbal and nonverbal, reflect the attitude and the beliefs of the school district. Therefore, administrators will conduct themselves professionally and in a manner fitting to their position. 

 

Each administrator will follow the code of ethics stated in this policy. Failure to act in accordance with this code of ethics or in a professional manner, in the judgment of the board, will be grounds for discipline up to, and including, discharge. 

 

The professional school administrator:

 

• Makes the education and well-being of students the fundamental value of all decision making. 

• Fulfills all professional duties with honesty and integrity and always acts in a trustworthy and responsible manner. 

• Supports the principle of due process and protects the civil and human rights of all individuals. 

• Implements local, state and national laws. 

• Advises the school board and implements the board's policies and administrative rules and regulations. 

• Pursues appropriate measures to correct those laws, policies, and regulations that are not consistent with sound educational goals or that are not in the best interest of children.

• Avoids using his/her position for personal gain through political, social, religious, economic or other influences. 

• Accepts academic degrees or professional certification only from accredited institutions. 

• Maintains the standards and seeks to improve the effectiveness of the profession through research and continuing professional development. 

• Honors all contracts until fulfillment, release or dissolution mutually agreed upon by all parties.

• Accepts responsibility and accountability for one’s own actions and behaviors. 

• Commits to serving others above self.

 

Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8

282 I.A.C. 13.

 

Approved: December 18, 2023

Reviewed: December 18, 2023

Revised: December 18, 2023

 

The Activities Director shall meet the certification requirements as designated by the Iowa Department of Education and shall include sufficient educational background and experiences to warrant recommendation for employment by the Superintendent.

 

 

(September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

The Activities Director may be employed by the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.  The contract will state the length of the contract and the terms of employment.

 

 

(September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

The Activities Director shall:

1. Subject to the policies of the Board of Directors and regulations set forth by the Superintendent, perform such tasks and assume such responsibilities as designated by the Superintendent.
2. Make recommendations to the Superintendent regarding the appointment, assignment, transfer, discharge or reassignment of all employees involved in activities and paid under supplemental pay of the Master Contract.
3. Supervise all activities and delegate responsibilities for appropriate supervisor of activities.

 

 

(September 18, 1989; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

The Board will conduct an ongoing evaluation of the Superintendent’s skills, abilities, and competence.  The Board shall adopt an evaluation procedure and instrument to assure that the Superintendent of schools is evaluated annually by the Board of Directors.  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 priorities of the Board, and develop a working relationship between the Board and the Superintendent.

The Superintendent will conduct an ongoing evaluation of other administrators’ skills, abilities, and competence.  The goal of any administrator’s formal evaluation process is to ensure that the educational program for the students is carried out, student learning goals of the school district are met, promote growth in effective administrative leadership for the school district, clarify the administrator’s role as defined by the Board and the Superintendent, ascertain 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 administrator.

The superintendent shall develop an evaluation instrument for every district administrative position other than that of Superintendent.  Changes in evaluation instruments shall be provided to the Board at a regular board meeting under correspondence prior to their being effective.  Evaluation instruments reported to the Board will be placed on Board agenda for review if any member desires.  When these evaluation instruments are reported and not requested for review by the Board, they shall be considered accepted by the Board. Items listed on evaluation instruments and accepted by the Board, shall be considered the official evaluation criteria for the position(s).

A binder or other compilation of all administrative job descriptions and evaluations shall be maintained in the central office and copies shall be furnished to members of the Board upon request.

 

 

 (June 23, 1986; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

Any administrative position is considered full-time employment.  The Board expects administrators to give the responsibilities of their positions in the school district precedence over other employment.  An administrator may accept consulting or outside employment for pay as long as, in the judgment of the Board, the work is conducted on the administrator’s personal time and it does not interfere with the performance of the administrator’s duties.

The board reserves the right, however, to request the administrator cease the outside employment as a condition of continued employment.  The board will give the administrator thirty days’ notice to cease outside employment.

 

 

(April 23, 2019)

 

The Board of Directors recognizes the importance of in-service education for administrators.  The Board of Directors encourages administrators to attend professional meetings which will relate significantly to the general educational philosophy of the school system.

All requests to attend in-service programs must be approved by the Superintendent.  Attendance limitations may be established based on budget allocation and the relevance of the program agenda as it pertains to the local educational objectives.

The superintendent is encouraged to attend an average of one general national convention each year as well as state and regional meetings.  Other district administrators are encouraged to attend, with superintendent approval, state and regional meetings and approximately one general national convention every other year. 

 

 

(December 17, 1979; August 21, 1989; June 15, 1992; September 20, 2010; July 9, 2012, June 20, 2016; April 23, 2019)

 

In the absence of the Superintendent, it is the responsibility of the other administrators to assume the Superintendent’s duties.

If the absence of the Superintendent is temporary, the successor shall be that individual or individuals temporarily appointed by the Board President.  If the absence of the superintendent is temporary, the successor will assume only those duties and responsibilities of the Superintendent that require immediate action.

If the Board determines the Superintendent will be absent for an extended period of time, the Board will appoint an acting Superintendent to assume the responsibilities of the Superintendent.  The successor will assume the duties when the successor learns of the Superintendent’s absence or when assigned by the Superintendent or the Board.

References to “Superintendent” in this policy manual will mean the “Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee” unless otherwise stated in the board policy.

 

 

(April 23, 2019)