When I conduct a policy training session for school board members, I identify several reasons why the board should adopt good policy. They include: meet federal and state requirements; articulate the board’s vision; equal and consistent treatment of staff and students; comply with the law; and prevent or reduce court challenges. Also, the superintendent wants good policy.
Although each of these reasons has merit, I would like to focus on why the superintendent wants good policy. I suggest two basic reasons. First, the superintendent wants to know what the school board wants and will support. Second, the superintendent wants to know what the board does not want and will not support.
There are good reasons why the superintendent wants to be clear about what the school board wants and will support. First, the superintendent is responsible for implementing board policy. It is easier for the superintendent to develop strategies to implement policy if the board’s intent is articulated. Second, the superintendent relies on staff to execute the strategies. The superintendent must identify for staff the board’s intent and motivate the staff to achieve that intent. Neither is possible if the superintendent does not have a clear understanding of what the board wants and will support.
There are also good reasons why the superintendent wants to be clear about what the school board does not want and will not support. First, the superintendent will recognize the limitations the board imposes on the superintendent’s administrative authority. Recognizing these limitations will enable the superintendent to make administrative decisions that will not exceed board imposed limitations. Second, the superintendent is in a better position to assist staff as they develop their own internal rules. The superintendent can advise staff if their rules exceed board imposed limitations. The superintendent holds staff accountable in the same way the board holds the superintendent accountable.
As the school board’s only employee, the superintendent must meet the board’s expectations as described in board policy and the superintendent’s contract. If the superintendent knows what the board wants and will support (intent), as well as what it does not want and will not support (limitations), then the superintendent can account for administrative decisions during the board’s annual assessment of administrative performance.
Superintendents want to know the school board’s expectations. Good policy will clearly articulate board expectations and that is why superintendents want good board policy.
