East Windsor Public Schools

Board of Education Policies

Administration    Series 2000

2000
Concept and Roles in Administration

The Superintendent of Schools shall direct and coordinate the administrative staff in implementing the educational philosophy, and achieving the goals and general objectives of the Board of Education, within the guidelines established by Board of Education policy law and employee agreements. The Board of Education expects the administration to demonstrate leadership and to develop good working relationships with the community for the achievement of common goals.

The Superintendent of Schools is encouraged to conduct the operations of the school system in a collaborative manner.

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2100
Administrative Staff Organization

The administrative staff should act as a directing force toward the achievement of excellence in the educational program. The Superintendent shall organize the staff to achieve the school district goals as expressed by the Board of Education. The Superintendent shall be the administrator responsible to the Board of Education and shall identify lines of primary authority for all employees.

The primary responsibility of the administrative staff is to help create and foster an environment of excellence in which students can learn most effectively. Excellence in education includes ensuring administrative role models reflect diversity in the population as a whole. In an effort to provide such role models, the Board supports measures to increase diversity through effective recruitment and hiring practices, which results in hiring the most qualified candidate.

Professional development activities will be provided for all staff. The Board will work toward achieving excellence in education by utilizing varied professional development programs aimed at developing leadership skills, stimulating interest of those who are underrepresented in administrative positions, and providing career advancement support and professional development opportunities for new and experienced administrators.

The Superintendent will be responsible for developing a district diversity staffing plan and shall review it on an annual basis. This plan should reflect state demographics and not be limited to the local community composition. A diversity checklist may be used as a guide to measure the district's success in developing a multicultural environment. Toward this end, all administrative duties and functions will be evaluated on the basis of contributing to better instruction which serves to incorporate the multicultural experience to enhance student motivation and achievement.

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2111
Equal Employment Opportunity

All personnel policies and practices of the Board of Education will be in accord with equal employment opportunity practices as determined by state and federal legislation. A job description and required qualifications for a position to be filled will be made available to all applicants. Equal employment opportunity means that equal employment possibilities are available to all protected groups and that no individual will be discriminated against because of race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or unrelated abilities to perform the duties of the position.

The district's staffing plan should be designed to ensure that the public schools are continuously moving toward integrated staff at all levels, in all schools, and in other areas throughout the system.

The Board believes in the importance of the district's practices to support the concept of staff balance. Within each group of employees there will be represented, when possible, a cross-section of employees of different gender, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and length of administrative and teaching experience.

Under the balanced-staff concept, the staff and students will benefit greatly by having exposure to a diverse staff.

Legal References: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C., sub 2000e.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. Sec 621.
Executive Order 11246.
Connecticut General Statutes
Connecticut Constitution Article I, Section 20; Amendment V Equal Rights Protection Amendment.
46a 51 (8), (17), (18) Discriminatory practices.
46a 58(a) Deprivation of rights.
46a 60 Discriminatory employment practices prohibited.
46a 79 State policy re employment of criminal offenders.
46a 80 Denial of employment based on prior conviction of crime.
10 153 Discrimination on account of marital status.
PA 91 58 An act concerning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2112
Professional Development Opportunities

The Board encourages the Superintendent to make every effort to stay abreast of educational trends and to seek and take advantage of opportunities for professional growth.

For these purposes and so that he/she can keep the Board and professional staff informed of new and promising educational developments, the Board encourages the superintendent to maintain membership in certain professional organizations, attend and participate in workshops, conferences, conventions, and appropriate courses, and to engage in reading and writing of a professional and developmental nature.

The Board of Education recognizes the importance of professional development opportunities for new and experienced administrators and promote continued improvement, educationally and professionally, encouraging the teaching faculty to do the same.

A philosophy that promotes continued learning for all educators should permeate professional development programs and practices. The philosophy should specifically support different learning needs, based on experience, and an investment in the professional growth of future school leaders:

1. Innovative programs should be developed and established for teachers who aspire to administrative positions. A special effort should be made to encourage women and minorities to seek administrative positions.

2. For new administrators, a comprehensive orientation program should include broad based exposure to district practices and resources, provision of mentor support from experienced administrators, and development of an individualized professional growth plan that targets priority learning needs.

3. For experienced administrators, flexible professional development opportunities should be entertained, allowing for career advancement support and long term areas of professional pursuit.

All administrators should be exposed to professional growth opportunities and educational practices that address ways to foster diversity and equity in the school community. Professional development programs should be developed to assist and alert participants to issues related to the impact of racial, ethnic, and gender bias in the classroom, in the schools, and in the broader community.

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2120
Administrative Organization

The administration of the school system will be delegated to the Superintendent of Schools.

The Superintendent is responsible for developing a table of organization to determine staff responsibilities and authority. The Superintendent will be guided by the knowledge that the Board of Education values free interchange of ideas.

While directing the Superintendent to establish specific lines of authority and responsibility, the Board of Education does not intend to reduce the efficiency of a team operation.

General Operation

The following principles will govern the administrative operation of the school system:

1. The Superintendent of Schools has specific responsibility for overseeing the pattern and sequence of educational experience provided for students from pre kindergarten through grade 12.

2. The staff of each school will be encouraged to establish the educational program most appropriate for the students attending that school.

3. Communication will flow from the students to the appropriate staff members to the Superintendent and then to the Board of Education. The community is encouraged to follow the same procedure.

4. Each member of the staff will be made aware of their position responsibilities and lines of authority.

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2121
Lines of Responsibility

All personnel will be responsible to the Board of Education through the Superintendent.

All personnel will refer matters requiring administrative action to the appropriate administrator who will refer such matters to the next level of authority, if necessary.

All personnel shall have the right to appeal any decision made by an administrator, through approved grievance procedures as defined by contract. Where not covered by contract, appeals are routed through the Superintendent to the Board of Education.

All administrative personnel will keep appropriate staff informed of pertinent activities.

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2130
Administrative Personnel Positions

All administrative, supervisory, and other positions in the school system are established initially by the Board of Education, by state law, or both.

It is the intent of the Board of Education to maintain a sufficient number of positions to promote the school system's goals.

A job description for each position, including a statement of requirements, must be developed and written under the direction of the Superintendent for approval by the Board of Education.

The Board of Education will approve the broad purpose and function of the position in harmony with state statutes, laws and regulations.

The Board of Education directs the Superintendent to maintain a comprehensive and coordinated set of job descriptions.

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2131
Page 1 of 3

Administration

Central Administrative and Supervisory Personnel

Duties and Responsibilities of Superintendent of Schools

1. General Duties

a. The Superintendent is, by law, the executive agent of the Board.
b. The Superintendent shall administer the schools in conformity with Board policy and state law.
c. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent to provide professional leadership in the community.
d. The Superintendent shall prepare materials for orientation of new Board members.

2. Meetings - The Superintendent or his/her designee shall:

a. Attend and participate in all Board and, where appropriate, committee meetings.
b. Prepare agenda and mail to members in advance.
c. Arrange for recording of minutes.
d. Keep all records from past years available for ready reference.

3. Policy Making - The Superintendent shall:

a. Recommend policies for adoption by the Board.
b. Gather data concerning needed policies and investigate legal consideration concerning such policies.
c. Have Board policies duplicated for Board, staff and general distribution.

4. Executive Responsibilities - The Superintendent shall:

a. Act as executive agent of the Board.
b. Administer schools in accordance with Board policy and state law.
c. Initiate action on all professional matters and inform Board of Education trends.
d. Coordinate work of schools.
e. Report development in educational legislation to Board.

5. Personnel - The Superintendent shall:

a. Recommend desirable qualifications for professional and nonprofessional personnel.
b. Recommend policies governing employment and dismissal of personnel.
c. Recruit, screen and employ classified personnel.
d. Recommend to the Board the appointment of candidates to all certified positions.
e. Recommend staff promotions, demotions, withholding of increments and dismissals.
f. Reassign and transfer classified and certified personnel, excluding administrative personnel.

2131
Page 2 of 3

Administration

Central Administrative and Supervisory Personnel (continued)

Duties and Responsibilities of Superintendent of Schools (continued)

g. Recommend to the Board the reassignment and transfer of administrative personnel.
h. Recommend meetings of Board with staff members and committees and participate in such meetings.
i. Transmit communications to staff members or committees and receive communications from them.
j. Hear complaints of personnel and refer to Board when necessary.
k. Prepare and establish methods of evaluating teachers and other personnel in the school system.
l. Recommend policies for employment of substitute personnel.

6. Instructional Program - The Superintendent shall:

a. Assist Board in study of educational developments.
b. Formulate with staff courses of study and submit to Board for approval.
c. Purchase textbooks and instructional materials as needed.
d. Recommend and develop ways for evaluating effectiveness of school system.
e. Encourage teacher growth and record evidence of growth.
f. Supervise instruction of students.
g. Prepare school calendar.

7. Finance - The Superintendent shall:

a. Act as Financial Secretary
(1) The Financial Secretary or Secretary of Board shall countersign checks for expenses incurred by the Board.
b. Present long range financial needs to Board.
c. Develop budget and recommend it to Board.
d. Assist Board in interpreting the budget at public meetings.
e. Present and interpret entire budget to school personnel
f. Administer the adopted budget.
g. Report to Board on operation of budget.
h. Recommend transfer of funds as needed.
i. Prepare and recommend procedures for salary schedules to Board or negotiations committee.
j. Make purchases of supplies and equipment.
k. Prepare specifications and receive bids on materials, construction and repairs.
l. Examine and verify bills for payment.
m. Develop and direct program of financial accounting.
n. Prepare necessary data for financial report.
o. Prepare data regarding net cost of schools to town.

2131
Page 3 of 3

Administration

Central Administrative and Supervisory Personnel (continued)

Duties and Responsibilities of Superintendent of Schools (continued)

8. School Facilities - The Superintendent shall:

a. Make continuous study of school plant needs.
b. Recommend plant expansion needs to Board.
c. Develop educational specifications for new buildings.
d. Make recommendations to Board regarding plans for new buildings.
e. Investigate school sites and recommend desirable areas to Board.
f. Recommend and administer program of plant maintenance.
g. Recommend and administer policies for community use of school plant.

9. Pupil Personnel - The Superintendent shall:

a. Recommend pupil services to provide for needs of all pupils.
b. Supervise program of pupil services.
c. Plan and supervise pupil enumeration.
d. Recommend policies concerning pupil discipline.
e. Establish procedures for suspension.
f. Recommend pupils to be expelled.
g. Recommend policies for classification, promotion and graduation of pupils and establish rules to implement these policies.
h. Recommend school attendance boundaries.
i. Make assignment of pupils.
j. Study transportation needs and plan routes.
k. Administer school lunch program.
1. Recommend standardized testing programs.
m. Examine pupils' standardized test results.
n. Arrange for physical examination of pupils.
o. Develop and supervise an adequate system of pupil records.

10. Public Relations - The Superintendent shall:

a. Recommend general policies on public relations.
b. Develop and supervise program of information to advise public of school progress, problems and needs.
c. Interpret program of school before community groups.
d. Make annual report of school progress and needs.
e. Investigate complaints and report to proper agent.
f. Act on specific community sponsored contests and projects requested of schools.

Regulation approved: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2131
Superintendent of Schools

The Board of Education will appoint and fix the term of office and salary of a Superintendent who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Board and has authority and responsibility for the supervision of the school system. As the Chief Executive Officer, the Superintendent shall have complete administrative oversight of the school system and shall be responsible for the efficient operation of the system in all its divisions.

The Superintendent takes the initiative in presenting to the Board policy and planning issues for the Board's attention and advises the Board of policies and plans that the Board takes under consideration. The Superintendent shall prepare and submit to the Board recommendations relative to all matters requiring Board action and shall provide the Board such necessary and helpful information and reports that may assist the Board on making informed decisions.

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2131.1
Appointment of Designee for Superintendent of Schools

In order to provide for unforeseen circumstances, the Superintendent shall appoint a designee. This designee shall function only when the Superintendent is out of the District. The designee shall function only in emergency situations.

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2133.1
Principals

A. Qualifications

1. The Principal shall have earned a Connecticut Intermediate Administrators Certificate.

2. Such Principal shall possess, under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, unless otherwise specified by the policies of the Board of Education, the following powers and be charged with the following duties:

B. Duties

1. To be responsible to the Superintendent of Schools for all organization, administration, and supervision within the building.

2. To show evidence of leadership in formulating and developing the programs and projects which will improve the excellence of the school system, as well as in the areas of the Principal’s particular responsibilities. To be an educational and instructional leader in the school.

3. To see that teachers and personnel are appropriately supervised and evaluated as requested; and to write supervisory reports on all teachers and other personnel at least once a year, or as directed by the Superintendent of Schools.

4. To have the powers necessary for executing the policies of the Board and for enforcing administrative rules and regulations determined by the Superintendent of Schools.

5. To be responsible for the educational procedures and progress within the school, and for all records and reports concerned thereto, in accordance with the policies, rules and regulations prescribed by the Board of Education.

6. To act as the chief administrative officer for the buildings and grounds, and to be responsible for and have authority over the actions of students, professional and non-professional employees, visitors, and such other persons hired to perform special tasks.

7. To keep the Superintendent of Schools informed as to the condition of the school and its activities therein, through the use of routine reports, meetings and by other means of communications as may be deemed appropriate by the Superintendent of Schools. Exceptional conditions and activities existing or occurring shall be reported immediately.

8. To establish rules for the administration of the school which shall be published in a handbook for distribution. The handbook shall be revised annually, or at such times as may be deemed appropriate, and such rules shall be subject to approval by the Superintendent of Schools prior to distribution.

9. To conduct educational surveys dealing with instructional matters.

10. To make recommendations to the Superintendent of Schools for the recruitment, selection, and assignment of the instructional employees within his/her building.

11. To be responsible for implementing and coordinating curriculum.

12. To be responsible for providing conditions which will protect the health and welfare of the children and the entire staff building.

13. To be responsible for maintaining good public relations with the community.

14. To be responsible for making equitable assignments of the teaching staff within the building, under existing terms and conditions of current Board of Education policies.

15. To be responsible for fully utilizing the community’s resources for enriching school program.

16. To be responsible for the classification, promotion or retention of students within the building.

17. To oversee the attendance and conduct of the children within the building.

18. To be responsible for requisitioning supplies, textbooks, equipment and all materials necessary to the operation of the school.

19. To organize the playgrounds, lunchrooms and noon hour in the best interest and safety of the children.

20. To be responsible for extra and co-curricular activities of the school.

21. To be responsible for fire and other drills; school enterprises and activities, parent-teacher organizational work as it relates to the building; teacher’s meetings; in-service training; school exhibits and student field trips; health and special services within the building.

22. To constantly appraise and evaluate the instructional program.

23. To employ principles of administration and high professional standards while working cooperatively with the teaching staff for the best interests of the children.

24. To continue to improve educationally and professionally, encouraging the teaching faculty to do the same.

25. To perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.

Regulation approved: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2136
Instructional Supervisors

The Board will provide adequate instructional supervisory personnel such as Department and Grade Level Chairpersons, Directors, Coordinators, whenever and wherever the Board deems these positions necessary.

Such positions shall exist on an official basis only when specifically approved by the Board and when appropriate budgetary provisions are available.

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2141
Recruitment and Appointment of Superintendent

The appointment of a Superintendent is the legal responsibility of the Board. The Board will conduct an active search to find the person it believes can most effectively translate into action the policies of the Board, the aspirations of the community, and foster a diverse professional staff. Applicants who can best fulfill the role will be sought from within the school system and from without.

A. Time Frame/Budget

The Board of Education will estimate a time frame for the search and prepare a budget for the search process.

B. Consultant

When the Board of Education starts a search for a new Superintendent, it will first decide whether or not to hire a qualified search consultant. The selection of the consultant will be through a process consistent with the Board’s affirmative action process.

Appointment of Superintendent

A vote of the majority of the Board members, present at a Board meeting for which due notice has been given of the intended action, will be required for the appointment of the Superintendent.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-157 Superintendents

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2220
Representative and Deliberative Groups

The Board of Education encourages the Superintendent and administrative staff to create and maintain appropriate groups such as councils, cabinets and committees to:

1. Foster good communications with the staff, students and the public.

2. Allow staff, students, and the public a voice in decisions affecting them.

3. Establish effective channels of communication for the public, the students and the district staff.

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2230
Procedures for Handling Emergencies

Please refer to East Windsor’s Crisis Response Protocols Booklet.

Regulation approved: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2231
Policy and Regulation Systems

Policy Manual

The Superintendent shall establish and maintain an orderly plan for preserving and making accessible policies and bylaws adopted by the Board, and the regulations of the administration. Board policies, Board bylaws, and administrative regulations shall be published in a manual, maintained in current condition, and made available to all persons concerned.

Policies

Policies are statements of intent adopted by the Board of Education. They serve as guides to the administration in the development and implementation of regulations for operating the district.

The Superintendent is an integral part of this policy making process recommending to the Board areas requiring policy adoption or change. The Superintendent shall develop a regulation specifying how policies will be developed and presented to the Board.

Regulations

Consistent with policy, the Superintendent shall specify required staff actions, and design the administrative arrangements under which the schools are to be operated. Those regulations and procedures which apply throughout the district shall be designated as “regulations,” and placed in the district policy manual. Regulations shall be presented to the Board but the Board will not adopt regulations unless requested to do so by the Superintendent or unless required by federal or state law. The Superintendent is responsible for development and implementation of district regulations. He/she shall develop a system involving staff members in development and implementation of regulations. Regulations should be complete, consistent with adopted Board policy, and capable of reasonable implementation.

Bylaws

Bylaws are the rules governing internal operations of the Board of Education. When need for a new bylaw, or modification of an existing bylaw is recognized, the Board will consider an effective new or modified bylaw for adoption. The same procedure used for development of policies shall be used for development of bylaws.

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2232.1
Administrative Reports/School District Annual Report/Announcements

The Board shall require reports from the Superintendent of Schools concerning the state of the school system.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for submitting to the Board an annual report indicating the effectiveness of the instructional program, the condition of the schools, and plans and suggestions for their improvement as well as other items of interest to the Board members.

The Board shall file an annual financial report with the State in accordance with the law.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-157 Superintendent of Schools

10-222 Appropriations and budget

10-224 Duties of the Secretary

10-227 Returns of receipts, expenditures and statistics to state board.

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2300
Statement of Ethics for Administrators

An educational administrator's professional behavior must conform to an ethical code. The code must be idealistic and at the same time practical, so that it can apply reasonably to all educational administrators. The administrator acknowledges that the schools belong to the public they serve for the purpose of providing educational opportunities to all. However, the administrator assumes responsibility for providing professional leadership in the school and community. This responsibility requires the administrator to maintain standards of exemplary professional conduct. It must be recognized that the administrator's actions will be viewed and appraised by the community, professional associates, and students. To these ends, the administrator subscribes to the following statements of standards.

The educational administrator:

1. Makes the well being of students the fundamental value of all decision making and actions.

2. Fulfills professional responsibilities with honesty and integrity.

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

4. Obeys local, state, and national laws and does not knowingly join or support organizations that advocate, directly or indirectly, the overthrow of the government.

5. Implements the governing Board of Education’s policies and administrative rules and regulations.

6. Pursues appropriate measures to correct those laws, policies, and regulations that are not consistent with sound educational goals.

7. Avoids using positions for personal gain through political, social, religious, economic, or other influence.

8. Accepts academic degrees or professional certification only from duly accredited institutions.

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

10. Honors all contracts until fulfillment, release, or dissolution mutually agreed upon by all parties to contract.

Regulation approved: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut

2400
Evaluation of Administrators and Administration

In order to advance the instructional program of the school district, the Superintendent of Schools will establish and will implement an evaluation program for all administrators and teachers. Such a program will be aimed at improving administrator/teacher performance and at promoting professional growth within the framework of the goals and objectives of the school district. The Board of Education will establish an evaluative process to annually assess the performance of the Superintendent of Schools.

The Superintendent's evaluation and the evaluation of district administrators and teachers should be viewed as part of an overall district management plan of establishing goals and objective, appropriate programs, and methods of evaluation. Instructional leadership efforts can only be productive if teaching and learning are emphasized and if objectives, measurement, and feedback are part of that effort. Teachers, administrators, central office personnel, and the Board of Education should be partners in the improvement process, and it is expected that this policy provide direction in achieving that partnership.

Policy adopted: May 16, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut