Superintendent's Office

TODO update to WHD 147 specifics

The Superintendent of Schools is the chief administrative officer of a Regional Office of Education, and the only elected education professional office in Illinois. As an intermediate agency between the Illinois State Board of Education and local school districts, the office of the Superintendent performs regulatory functions as directed by the Illinois School Code.

The code states that the Regional Superintendent of Schools shall:

    "...exercise supervision and control over all school districts in the region."
    "...act as the official advisor and assistant of the school officers and teachers in his region. In the performance of this duty he shall carry out the advice of the State Superintendent of Education."

Duties

In addition to coordinating and delivering state and local services, the  Superintendent acts as an advocate for education by providing positive leadership and disseminating information for educators, school districts, and the public. Specific duties of the Superintendent are stated in the School Code and can be summarized in 2 major areas: service, and assurance to the public.

Service

Service components include the dissemination of information on education legislation, legal issues, cooperative management, research and administration. The Superintendent also provides information to citizens about state and local programs that will help meet the needs of their children. Each service component requires specific skills placing the Superintendent as an intermediate agent who brings together people, concepts and resources to provide educational services.

Assurance to the Public

Assurances to the public cover areas such as fiscal responsibilities, local school performances, life safety, certification, supervision and curriculum. In these areas legislation places enforcement responsibilities on the Superintendent to guarantee that certain minimums are met and legal parameters followed.

Handling Educational Concerns

During the course of the school year, the Superintendent and his staff receive numerous telephone calls, letters, and visits from parents, school personnel, and citizens concerning a multitude of educational concerns. It is the policy of the Superintendent to give prompt service and accurate information to any individual or group seeking assistance.