Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nawee]

Hello,

What exactly is a "superintendent" in the US? I mean a superintendent of schools, not a superintendent of an apartment building.

1. Is the superintendent in charge of every school in the area or just one particular school?

2. What is his/her responsibilities and power?

3. Is the superintendent's position higher in rank than a school's principal?

4. How does one become a superintendent?

Thank you,

Nawee

[myprofe]

I went to high school in Massachusetts. The principal was the boss. His office was in the building, near the entrance, and as far as I remember he was there every day. The superintendent was the principal's boss. He very rarely came to the school. So, I imagine it is more of a political, administrative position.
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[CP]

The superintendent is in charge of the school district, which includes primary and secondary schools, over a large area. The Los Angeles Unified School District is so large that it has eight local districts, each with its own superintendent.

There are also community college districts.
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[nawee]

Thank you for your explanations, MyProfe, CP.

Just want to clarify a little bit more. What do you mean by "be in charge of"? What does a superintendent do? Does s/he have a say in how schools are run or the school curriculum?

Thank you,

Nawee