241 upvotes, 4 direct replies (showing 4)
View submission: Explain Like I’m Five: What Do Superintendents Actually Do?
They make recommendations to the board and act as the board's representative in district strategy.
That curriculum or equipment you want? Superintendent recommendation. Hiring or firing staff? Same. New building, levy, etc. They ensure compliance with state and federal mandates. They manage the managers. When those people do shit jobs, the super has to deal with them, and then they get to replace them. When a district has crap leadership and incompetent teachers, that falls squarely on the superintendent's judgment to put the right people in the right place.
We need them because teachers like me sure as fuck don't want to be responsible for all that.
Comment by alohayogi at 09/03/2025 at 15:22 UTC
46 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Well said. They have an extreme responsibility load. Those who started as teachers understand the struggles in school. They have to appease the board and work to retain teachers and staff. Their executive team helps them create and follow the district's strategic plan and stay within budget all while people complain that it isn't enough. Thankless job IMHO.
Comment by KTeacherWhat at 09/03/2025 at 16:19 UTC
4 upvotes, 2 direct replies
If that's true then what do all the people in the middle between principals and superintendents do?
Comment by No_Coms_K at 09/03/2025 at 16:22 UTC
4 upvotes, 0 direct replies
They eat shit when it finally all falls apart.
Comment by beanie_bebe at 09/03/2025 at 17:32 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
We also need to be in a union, or at least an association!