Presents the results of a study of 24 superintendents who served in 1 rural school district for 12 years or more. The superintendents interviewed shared demographic information, insights into their school boards, and professional opinions concerning the reasons for their longevity. Most-cited reasons were a stable school board, open communication,…

Two cases illustrate some of the recent issues and decisions on the dismissal of school principals. Principals are cautioned that courts tend to defer to the judgment of school boards, particularly on matters within the members' area of expertise or authority. (MLF)

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals found that a Texas school superintendent, having failed to submit a written contract to the school board for execution, had no basis for holding that a property interest in employment existed. Certainty about binding obligations requires written agreements signed by both parties. (PB)

The role of privilege in defamation suits arising from the evaluation of public educators is explored in light of the "Manguso vs. Oceanside Unified School District" court case, in which a teacher brought a libel charge against a superintendent. (DCS)

Administrative rules/regulations or procedures must be based upon a board policy. In order to provide adequate governance of the district, the board should consider adopting policy and administrative rules/regulations or procedures in the following areas: (1) review of administrative rules and regulations; (2) administration in absence of policy;…

Describes the procedures to be followed by the school board president and the board in a teacher dismissal hearing. (MLF)

A superintendent's contract should be individually designed and negotiated; however, necessary characteristics are suggested in the areas of duration, certification and responsibilities, compensation, vacation and fringe benefits, liability and indemnification, medical examination, evaluation, renewal and nonrenewal, termination, and a…

A search of published cases concerning the dismissal of superintendents revealed 22 court decisions for the period 1983-89. Offers advice to board members compiled from the reported cases. (MLF)

The principal's right to independent bargaining may become increasingly important as more teachers' groups negotiate school district policy directly with boards of education. This chapter discusses the principal's role in collective negotiations and attempts to answer the question of whether a principal is part of management or of the…

This document is a collection of administrative rules of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). It is divided into seven subparts: Illinois Community College Board Administration; Local District Administration; Programs; Students; Finance; Capital Projects; and Personnel. Highlights are as follows: Independent organizations may be considered…

This document is a brief discussion, in outline form, regarding the legal representation of the school board and the superintendent. Specifically, the school lawyer ordinarily represents the board rather than an individual employee such as the district superintendent. Exceptions to this rule, conflicts of interest, and disclosure matters are…

Observing that effective employment contracts communicate the school board's expectations to individual administrators and enhance working relationships, this guide informs boards developing contracts for members of management teams of available alternatives. The importance of clarifying the relationship between the administrator and the board,…

A pamphlet reviewing the employment rights of school administrators in each state, this report distinguishes between substantive and procedural rights for administrators threatened with demotion or dismissal. The author argues that principals should be aware of the kind and degree of statutory employment protection in their states, which differ in…

This publication discusses public school administrators' legal rights to continuing employment, as established by litigation in state and federal courts. Although the number of court cases dealing with school administrators' employment rights has been relatively small, a number of recent cases at both the federal and state levels are examined.…

Trustees, it is suggested, should take an active role in the development of objectives, planning, and financing of an institution. The most important conclusion from the court's opinion in the Wilson College Case was that trustees should make sure that they are fully informed. (MLW)