Code No. 301.1

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL

In these Series 300 policies, "the administration" or "the administrative personnel" shall refer to administrators and supervisors as defined in Code 400.2, as well as such other persons as the Superintendent shall designate.

The following positions are considered as comprising the administrative team:

Superintendent of Schools
Building Principals
Associate Building Principal
Director of Business Services
Board Secretary/Director of Human Resources
Director of Technology
Director of Buildings and Grounds
Director of Food Services
Director of Transportation

Date of Review:  December 11, 2017

860614

DECORAH COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Code No. 301.2

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

The administrative personnel in the District shall be organized and operate as a team under the guidance and leadership of the Superintendent.  The team approach to administration contributes to better leadership decisions and a healthier, more productive organization by facilitating communication, encouraging input and the utilization of varied expertise, reinforcing productive behavior, and inspiring greater commitment to the District.

Each member of the team shall be responsible for gathering and analyzing information and for sharing reasoned opinions with the other members of the administrative team.  Full and open communications are encouraged.  If the administrative team is to succeed, all participation must take place in an open and trusting context.  It requires, too, a strong commitment at the behavioral level by all team members.  When a decision is made, each member shall be expected to respect and implement the decision. 

These policies shall also be interpreted to encourage school-based decision-making.  As educational leaders, administrative personnel may utilize councils, committees or other structures to assist in formulating recommendations and in implementing Board policies.

Code No. 301.3

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

It is the Superintendent's responsibility to organize and arrange the administrative personnel of the District in a fashion which best serves the interests of the District.

Fundamental to the success of the administrative team concept is a clearly developed structure in which to communicate, interact, and make decisions.  Accordingly, roles, responsibilities, relationships, and expectations should be delineated through a carefully designed organizational plan and well-designed job descriptions.  The structure should include an orderly network of interlocking teams (councils, cabinets, and committees).

The organizational structure of the District shall be illustrated by a chart.  The chart represents the direction of authority and responsibility.  The chart shall be regarded as a visual representation of contracted authority and responsibility for each line and staff position.

Date of Review:  December 11, 2017

Code No. 301.4

SUCCESSION OF AUTHORITY

In the absence of the Superintendent, it shall be the responsibility of the other administrators and supervisors to assume the Superintendent's duties.  The succession of authority to the Superintendent shall be dependent upon the area of concern. 

If the absence of the Superintendent is temporary, the other administrators and supervisors shall assume only those duties and responsibilities of the Superintendent that require immediate attention.  If the absence of the Superintendent will be a lengthy one, as determined by the Board, the Board shall appoint an acting superintendent to immediately assume the responsibilities of the Superintendent.

It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent to inform the successor of the Superintendent's absence, if possible.  If the Superintendent is unable to inform the successor, it shall be the responsibility of the successor to assume the Superintendent's duties, in accordance with this policy statement, when the successor learns of the absence and its length.

References to "Superintendent" in this policy manual shall mean the "Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee."

Date of Review:  December 11, 2017

Code No. 301.5

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL AND OTHER DISTRICT PERSONNEL

Administrative personnel shall, within their areas of assignment, recommend candidates for employment, assign, direct and supervise staff members, handle their requests and complaints, evaluate the members’ performance, and shall, if necessary, lay off, suspend, discipline or discharge employees (or recommend the same).

It shall be the responsibility of each administrator and of each supervisor to foster a positive attitude and to promote a cooperative effort among District personnel. 

It shall be the responsibility of each administrator and of each supervisor to provide leadership to the staff, and it shall be the responsibility of each employee to work cooperatively with the administrative personnel to accomplish the educational philosophy of the District.

Date of Review:  December 11, 2017