As I move about the schools and the district I often hear questions like what does a superintendent do.  It occurred to me what a wonderful opportunity to answer this question and at the same time add more information to our district website.

            Let’s begin by looking at the basic facts. There are two common titles for what I do: superintendent and district administrator.  They are interchangeable but district administrator is the legal term used for this position.

            The district administrator wears many leadership hats that I will share in no particular order of importance.  First, the district administrator ensures sound fiscal planning for the district.  This includes short-term planning as well as looking ten or twenty years down the road.  You can imagine with the recent changes in our economy that this can be challenging.  Second, the district administrator is responsible for instructional leadership that leads to student achievement.  Our initiatives relating to RtI (Response to Intervention), curriculum alignment, and all professional development of all teaching and support staff are just a few examples.  Board relations and ensuring the Board has all needed information to move forward with the vision of the district are a vital part of the job.  In addition to this part of the role of working with the Board, there are various governance aspects including compliance with open meetings laws, cooperative development of Board agendas, Board development, and contract law.  The district administrator is also responsible for general operations of facilities throughout the district.  Our buildings and grounds must be maintained at high standards to protect the investment.  Processes must be orderly and timely to provide needed materials.  Fourth, district administrators are responsible for all legal compliance as well as legal services for the district.  This includes the development of policy with the school board and administrative guidelines with our administrative team. 

            Having forward vision in all that we do is also a part of the job responsibilities for a district administrator.  This includes strategic planning and the execution of that plan with measureable goals in student achievement and a variety of other areas.  Enhancing and evaluating leadership in the district also plays a role as well as building skills within the leadership of the district at the district office.  We all continue to grow in our field as research shows us new possibilities for working with students or systemic improvement.  Communication is also a key element for the district administrator.  Developing the two annual newsletters for the community to showcase the best of current practice, community relationships, student achievement, and programming are vital to developing community support.  Another role of the district administrator can be best described as working with special projects, such as the Indian mascot issue.  Finally, the role of the district administrator is as the “face of the district.”  Representing our school district locally, statewide, and nationally is vital to our learning and continuous growth. 

            As you can see, the role is varied.  It is a commitment to the district and students well beyond a typical work week involving nights, early morning weather checks, and weekends of service.  But, it is rewarding beyond measure when the duties of the job allow for a few minutes to participate in a student activity or celebration of success.  It is immensely rewarding to witness our students in action at athletic events, music performances, and even in the classroom.  It is in all of these areas that I want our district to shine. 

Bob Eidahl

District Administrator