1210 - BOARD-SUPERINTENDENT RELATIONS

Bridgman Public Schools

Bylaws & Policies

1210 - BOARD-SUPERINTENDENT RELATIONS

The Superintendent shall be the chief executive officer of the Bridgman Public Schools and shall be responsible for the professional leadership and skill necessary to translate the will of the Board as expressed through its policies, into administrative action.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for all aspects of school operation and for such duties and powers pertaining thereto that the Board may direct or delegate. The Superintendent may delegate responsibility and authority necessary to discharge that responsibility to other employees and so develop such procedures and regulations as are necessary to ensure efficient operation of the schools.

The Board, in all phases of school operation, will work through the superintendent who will direct other employees in regard to such operations unless otherwise mutually agreed between Superintendent and the Board.

The Board assumes the Superintendent is professionally able and possesses qualities of leadership, vision and administrative skill and that the superintendent will implement all policies of the Board in good faith.

The Superintendent may assume that the Board will respect his/her professional competence and extend to him/her full responsibility for implementing Board policy decisions. In order that the Superintendent may provide effective leadership, the Board will delegate to the Superintendent those powers which it considers advisable so to do. The Superintendent can expect the Board to support his/her decision in the administration of the schools.

Because of the unique and close working relationship between the Board and Superintendent, mutual loyalty and respect are essential if they are to work together in the best interests of education for the children of the school District.

Specifically, the Superintendent shall:

	A.	attend all Board meetings except when his/her contract is being considered;
	B.	have the right to speak on matters, but not the right to vote;
	C.	on a monthly basis, present such financial statements as directed by the Board;
	D.	assist the Board in all matters pertaining to the general welfare of the school and perform; such other duties as the Board may determine;
	E.	offer professional advice to the Board on items requiring Board action, with appropriate recommendations based on thorough study and analysis;
	F.	interpret and execute the intent of Board policy;
	G.	seek and accept constructive criticism of his/her work;

H. uphold Board policy and action to the public and staff;

	I.	maintain a harmonious working relationship with the Board;
	J.	serve in an advisory capacity to Board subcommittees appointed on a temporary basis.

Specifically, the Board shall:

	A.	establish written policies for the guidance of the Superintendent in the operation of the schools;
	B.	provide the Superintendent with a clear statement of the expectation of performance and personal qualities against which his/her performance will be measured periodically;
	C.	reach decisions only on the basis of study of all available background data and consideration of the recommendations of the Superintendent;
	D.	request information through the Superintendent;
	E.	provide a climate of mutual respect and trust, offering commendation whenever earned and constructive criticism when necessary;
	F.	be willing to devote the necessary time on an individual basis to be effective Board members.