BOARD POLICY 10: ROLE and COMPETENCIES of the SUPERINTENDENT
Preamble
The Superintendent is the Chief Executive Officer of the Charter Board and the Chief Education Officer of Valhalla Community School. The Superintendent reports directly to the corporate Board and is accountable for the conduct and operation of the School. All Board authority delegated to the staff of VCS is delegated through the Superintendent pursuant to the Education Act s.33.
The Board believes that “quality Superintendent leadership occurs when the Superintendent’s ongoing analysis of the context, and the Superintendent’s decisions about what leadership knowledge and abilities to apply, result in quality school leadership, quality teaching and optimum learning for all students in the school authority.”
Specific Areas of Responsibility
- Student Well-Being
1.1. Ensures a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging for all students while participating in school programs or while being transported to or from school programs on transportation provided by VCS.
1.2 Ensures the facilities adequately accommodate enrolled students.
1.3 Ensures the social, physical, intellectual, cultural and emotional growth needs of students are supported in the overall school environment.
1.4 Acts as, or designates an attendance office for VCS.
- Student Learning
2.1 Provides leadership in all matters relating to education at VCS.
2.2 Ensures students have the opportunity to meet the standards of education set by the Minister and as identified in the Charter.
2.3 Provides leadership that promotes educational opportunities through innovation, research and partnerships.
2.4 Provides leadership in implementing policies established by the Minister or the Board.
2.5 Ensures a learning environment that contributes to the development of skills and habits necessary for the world of work, post-secondary studies, life-long learning and citizenship.
- Fiscal Responsibility
3.1 Ensures the fiscal management by the Secretary-Treasurer is in accordance with terms or conditions of any funding received by the Board under the Education Act or other legislation.
3.2 Ensures VCS operates in a fiscally responsible manner, including adherence to recognized standards for accounting practices.
3.3 Ensures the Board receives current and relevant financial information.
3.4 Directs the preparation and presentation of the Budget.
3.5 Directs the preparation of the capital plan for submission to the Board.
4 Human Resources Management
4.1 Exercises overall authority and responsibility for all personnel-related matters, except those personnel matters precluded by legislation or Board policy.
4.2 Monitors performance and evaluation of staff and ensures growth, supervision and evaluation processes are in place.
4.3 Facilitates professional development and training for staff.
4.4 Builds leadership capacity within VCS.
4.5 Ensures a welcoming, caring, respectful, safe environment that fosters a sense of belonging for all staff.
4.6 Recommends total compensation (salary plus) for staff.
4.7 Establishes hiring practices that provide VCS with excellent staff.
- Policy
5.1 Provides leadership in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation
of Board policies.
5.2 Develops and keeps current, an Administrative Procedures Manual that is consistent with Board and provincial education policies, regulations, and procedures.
- Superintendent Relationship with the Charter Board (“The First Team”)
6.1 Engages in and maintains a positive, professional working relationship with the Board.
6.2 Respects, honours and facilitates the implementation of the Board’s roles and responsibilities as defined in Board policy.
6.3 Provides information, reports, and counsel for the Board to perform its role.
6.4 Keeps the Board informed on all school authority matters, especially controversial or highly sensitive issues, in a timely and appropriate manner.
6.4 Attends meetings of the Board except as excused and makes recommendations on matters requiring Board action.
6.5 Attends or designates administrative attendance at all Board committee meetings, as requested.
6.6 Demonstrates respect and acts with integrity. Encourages and supports the VCS community.
7.Three-Year Strategic Planning and Reporting
7.1 Leads the Strategic Planning engagement process.
7.2 Assists the Board in identifying the short and long term needs and plans for VCS.
7.3 Involves the Board appropriately (approves process, sets timelines, establishes priorities, identifies key results and approves final product) in the processes.
7.4 Implements plans as approved by the Board.
7.5 Reports regularly on results achieved and directs the development of the Annual Education Results Report for Board approval.
- Organizational Management
8.1 Demonstrates effective organizational skills resulting in VCS compliance with all legal, Ministerial and charter board mandates and timelines.
8.2 Reports to the Minister with respect to matters identified in and required by the Education Act and other provincial legislation.
8.3 Delegates, or acts as head of organization for purposes of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act.
8.4 Promotes a culture which facilitates positive results in a team-oriented, collaborative and cohesive manner.
8.5 Effectively handles emergencies and deals with crisis situations.
8.6 Maintains a current organizational chart, approved by the Board, which delineates accurately the lines of authority for decision-making and responsibility for outcomes.
- Communications and Community Relations
9.1 Takes appropriate actions to ensure positive external and internal communications are developed and maintained.
9.2 Ensures parents have a high level of satisfaction with the services and responsiveness of VCS.
9.3 Establishes and maintains positive relationships within the VCS community.
9.4 Ensures a fair and proper dispute resolution process.
9.5 Consults with and supports the Board Chair in serving as spokesperson for VCS to ensure consistent, accurate messages.10. Leadership Practices
10.1 Practices leadership in a manner that has the support and confidence of those with whom the Superintendent works most directly in carrying out the directives of the Charter Board and the Minister;
10.2 Develops and maintains positive working relationships with Alberta Education, other government entities and community agencies.
10.3 Ensures meaningful collaboration arises from relationships built on trust, respect, and honesty.
Adopted: April 2023
Reviewed (or Amended): February 2024 :
References: Education Act Sections 53, 222, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Superintendent Leadership Quality Standard of Alberta