Original Adopted Date: 1-10-83 Last Revised Date: 2-10-97 Last Reviewed Date: 7-13-26
The board will employ a superintendent to serve as the chief executive officer of the board, 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 will consider applicants that meet or exceed the standards set by the Iowa Department of Education and the qualifications established in the job description for the superintendent position. In employing a superintendent, the board will consider the qualifications, credentials and records of the applicants without regard to race, creed, marital status, gender, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, 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 will also consider the school district's educational philosophy, financial situation, organizational structure, education programs, and other factors 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 §§ 21.5(1)(i); 35C; 216; 279.8, .20
281 I.A.C. 12.4(4).
1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 367.
Cross Reference: 200.2 Powers of the Board of Directors
200.3 Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
301 Administrative Structure
302 Superintendent
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Original Date: 1-27-97 |
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Last Revised Date: 8-10-26 |
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Last Reviewed Date: 7-13-26 |
The length of the contract for employment between the superintendent and the board is determined by the board. The contract shall begin on July 1 and end on June 30. The contract shall state the terms of employment and shall not exceed three years.
The first two years of a contract issued to a newly employed superintendent is considered a probationary period. The board may waive this period or 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 shall afford the superintendent appropriate due process, including notice by May 15. The superintendent and board may mutually agree to terminate the superintendent's contract at any time.
If a superintendent's contract is not being renewed by the board, the contract shall be extended automatically for additional one-year periods beyond the end of its term until it is modified or terminated as mutually agreed to by the parties or until the superintendent's contract is terminated consistent with statutory termination procedures.
It is the responsibility of the board to provide the contract for the superintendent.
If the superintendent wishes to resign, to be released from a contract, or to retire, the superintendent must comply with board policies dealing with retirement, release or resignation.
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 §§ 21.5(1)(i); 279.20, .22-.25 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 12.4(4).
Cross Reference: 302 Superintendent
Original Adopted Date: 1-27-97 Last Revised Date: Last Reviewed Date: 7-13-26
The board has complete discretion to set the salary of the superintendent. It is the responsibility of the board to set the salary and benefits of the superintendent at a level that shall 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 is set at the beginning of each contract term.
In addition to the salary and benefits, the superintendent's actual and necessary expenses are paid by the school district when the superintendent is performing work-related duties. It is within the discretion of the board to pay dues to professional organizations for the superintendent.
The board may approve the payment of dues and other benefits or compensation over and above the superintendent's contract. Approval of dues and other benefits or compensation shall be included in the records of the board in accordance with board policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .20
1984 Op. Att'y Gen. 47.
Cross Reference: 302 Superintendent
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Original Date: 2-5-68 |
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Last Revised Date: 8-10-26 |
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Last Reviewed Date: 7-13-26 |
The board employs a superintendent of schools to serve as the chief executive officer of the board. 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 is responsible for the implementation and execution of board policy and the observance of board policy by employees and students. The superintendent is responsible for overall supervision and discipline of employees and the education program.
In executing the above-stated duties, the superintendent will consider the financial situation of the school district as well as the needs of the students. Specifically, the superintendent:
Interprets and implements all board policies and all state and federal laws relevant to education;
Supervises, either directly or through delegation, all activities of the school system according to, and consistent with, the policies of the board;
Represents the board as a liaison between the school district and the community;
Establishes and maintains a program of public relations to keep the public well-informed of the activities and needs of the school district, effecting a wholesome and cooperative working relationship between the school district and the community;
Attends and participates in all meetings of the board, except when the superintendent has been excused, and makes recommendations affecting the school district;
Reports to the board on such matters as deemed material to the understanding and proper management of the school district or as the board may request;
Assumes responsibility for the overall financial planning of the district and for the preparation of the annual budget, and submits it to the board for review and approval;
Establishes and maintains efficient procedures and effective controls for all expenditures of school district funds in accordance with the adopted budget, subject to the direction and approval of the board;
Files, or causes to be filed, all reports required by law;
Makes recommendations to the board for the selection of employees for the school district;
Makes and records assignments and transfers of all employees pursuant to their qualifications;
Employs such employees as may be necessary, within the limits of budgetary provisions and subject to the board's approval;
Recommends to the board, for final action, the promotion, salary change, demotion, or dismissal of any employee;
Prescribes rules for the classification and advancement of students, and for the transfer of students from one building to another in accordance with board policies;
Summons employees of the school district to attend such regular and occasional meetings as are necessary to carry out the education program of the school district;
Supervises methods of teaching, supervision, and administration in effect in the schools;
Attends such conventions and conferences as are necessary to keep informed of the latest educational trends;
Accepts responsibility for the general efficiency of the school system, for the development of the employees, and for the educational growth and welfare of the students;
Defines educational needs and formulates policies and plans for recommendation to the board;
Makes administrative decisions necessary for the proper functioning of the school district;
Responsible for scheduling the use of buildings and grounds by all groups and/or organizations;
Acts as the purchasing agent for the board, and establishes procedures for the purchase of books, materials and supplies;
Approves vacation schedules for employees;
Conducts periodic district administration meetings;
Performs other duties as may be assigned by the board.
Supervises the establishment or modification of the boundaries of school attendance and transportation areas subject to approval of the board; and
Directs studies of buildings and sites, taking into consideration population trends and the educational and cultural needs of the district in order to ensure timely decisions by the board and the electorate regarding construction and renovation projects.
This list of duties will not act to limit the board's authority and responsibility over the superintendent. In executing these duties and others the board may delegate, the superintendent will consider the school district's financial condition as well as the needs of the students in the school district.
NOTE: This is a sample list of superintendent duties. A board may want to substitute its own superintendent job description for the policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .20, 23A.
281 I.A.C. 12.4(4).
Cross Reference: 209 Board of Directors' Management Procedures
301 Administrative Structure
302 Superintendent
Original Adopted Date: 9-17-90 Last Revised Date: 3-28-22 Last Reviewed Date: 7-13-26
The quality of the Mid-Prairie Community School District depends to a significant extent on the effectiveness of its Superintendent. The Superintendent must be a leader in creating learning opportunities that enable and inspire our children to become successful, caring and contributing citizens of our nation and the world.
Toward that end, the Mid-Prairie Board of Directors has adapted and adopted, as the basis for its Superintendent’s job description and annual performance evaluation, the ten Iowa Standards for Schools Leaders for Superintendents. The Superintendent must demonstrate competencies, skills and achievements related to each of the ten standards.
The superintendent will be an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by:
It is the responsibility of the Board to evaluate the performance of the Superintendent relative to those standards. The Vice President of the Board will direct the evaluation process.
Each member of the Board is to receive an evaluation form no later than October 1 of each year, and complete, sign and return it to the Board Vice President no later than the second Monday of the month of October.
Consistent with customary and responsible professional practices, and to encourage open, honest and accountable communications, Board Members—as the Superintendent’s supervisors—must sign their evaluations. The Superintendent shall also complete, sign and return this instrument to the Vice President as a basis for self-evaluation, and may also provide any supporting documents or other materials he or she believes will help Board Members understand his or her efforts and achievements during the evaluation period.
All evaluations received by the Board Vice President by second Monday of October will be photocopied and distributed to all Board Members, as well as to the Superintendent, by the third Monday of October of each year. The Superintendent shall also receive a copy of all evaluations. The original copy of each evaluation is to become part of the Superintendent’s permanent personnel file, which is to be secured and maintained by the Board Secretary. No other respondents or other parties may receive copies of any evaluations. These documents shall not be public documents.
On the fourth Monday of October, the Board Members and Superintendent will meet in closed session, consistent with Iowa law and district policy, to discuss the results of the evaluations, and develop a joint Statement of Commitment that will describe each party’s non-binding intentions for the succeeding academic and contract year. This Statement of Commitment will enable either party to make the appropriate plans for the succeeding year and beyond. The statement of commitment will be signed at the next regular scheduled business meeting of the School Board.
The Board Secretary will take the minutes and tape all meetings held pursuant to this policy. The taped record is not a public record. An attorney selected by the Board will review all documents produced pursuant to this policy, to ensure that they are sufficient for the purposes of Iowa Code Section 21.5(4). For the purposes of this policy, the Vice President is authorized to consult with the attorney.
The personnel file of the Superintendent will be established and maintained exclusively by the Board Secretary pursuant to Board direction. The Board Secretary shall keep a log listing details of each and every access to the file, including his or her own. The file is the property of the District, under the direct and exclusive control of the Board of Directors. The file shall be kept in a secure location and under no circumstances removed from its secure location without specific Board approval. No document shall be removed from the file except by express direction of the Board of Directors, or in accordance with law.
The Board is not precluded by this policy from taking any steps deemed necessary to promote the best interests of the District, as permitted by District policy, Iowa Code and the annual employment contract of the Superintendent.
Legal Reference: Wedergren v. Board of Directors, 307 N.W.2d 12 (Iowa 1981).
Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .20, .23, .23A (2013).
281 I.A.C. Ch. 83; 12.3(4).
Cross Reference: 212 Closed Sessions
302 Superintendent
Original Adopted Date: 1-27-97 Last Revised Date: Last Reviewed Date: 7-13-26
The board encourages the superintendent to continue professional growth by being involved in professional organizations, attending conferences, continuing education, and participating in other professional activities.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to arrange the superintendent's schedule in order to enable 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 travel, or involves unusual expense, the superintendent shall bring it to the attention of the board president prior to attending the event.
The superintendent shall report to the board after an event.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8
281 I.A.C. 12.7.
Cross Reference: 303.7 Administrator Professional Development
401.7 Employee Travel Compensation
Original Adopted Date: 1-27-97 Last Revised Date: Last Reviewed Date: 7-13-26
The board encourages the superintendent to be involved in the school district community by belonging to school district community organizations and attending and participating in school district community activities.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to become involved in school district community activities and events. The board may include a lump sum amount as part of the superintendent's compensation to be used specifically for paying the annual fees of the superintendent for school district community activities and events if, in the board's judgment, the superintendent's participation shall further the public purpose of promoting and deriving support for the school district and public education in general. It is within the discretion of the board to pay annual fees for professional organizations and activities.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8
1990 Op. Att'y Gen. 79.
Cross Reference: 302.3 Superintendent Salary and Other Compensation
303.8 Administrator Civic Activities
Original Adopted Date: 1-27-97 Last Revised Date: Last Reviewed Date: 7-13-26
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.
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 days notice to cease outside employment.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .20
Cross Reference: 302.2 Superintendent Contract and Contract Nonrenewal
302.4 Superintendent Duties