School Director

General Responsibilities:

To provide leadership in all areas of teaching and learning: curriculum, data analysis, and professional development. To lead, guide, and direct every member of the administrative, instructional, and support services teams in setting and achieving the highest standards of excellence in educational programs and operating systems. To be responsible for a system of supervision and evaluation for all staff designed to meet the goals of the school system. Oversee and administer the use of all facilities, property, and funds in the best interests of students and the school system.

The School Director is responsible for the effective operation of the school; general administration of all instructional, business, or other operations of the school; and for advising and making recommendations to the Board with respect to such activities. He shall perform all the duties and accept all of the responsibilities usually required of a Superintendent as prescribed by the Board, the rules and regulations of the State of Kuwait and Ministry of Education, statutes of the State of Kuwait, and the policies, rules, and regulations established by the Board.

Specific Responsibilities:

The Superintendent shall possess the following powers and be charged with the following duties:

•  The right to speak on all matters before the Board but not to vote
• To enforce all provisions of law and all rules and regulations relating to the management of the schools and other educational, social, and recreational activities under the direction of the Board.
• Keep the Board informed of the condition of the school’s educational system; ensure effective communication between the Board and the staff of the school system. Relay all communications by the Board regarding personnel to employees and receive from all school personnel any communications directed to the Board.
• Prepare the agenda for Board meetings in consultation with the Chair of the Board. Prepare and submit recommendations to the Board relative to all matters requiring board action, placing before the Board such necessary and helpful facts, information, and reports as are needed to ensure the making of informed decisions.
• Submit to the Board a clear and detailed explanation of any proposed procedure that would involve either departure from established policy or the expenditure of substantial sums.
• Develop and recommend to the Board objectives of the educational system; see to the development of internal objectives which support those of the Board.
• Develop and recommend to the Board long-range plans consistent with population trends, cultural needs, and the appropriate use of school facilities, and see to the development of long-range plans that are consistent with Board objectives.
• See to the development of specific administrative procedures and programs to implement the intent established by Board policies, directives, and formal actions.
• See to the execution of all decisions of the Board.
• See that sound plans of organization, educational programs, and services are developed and maintained for the Board.
• Maintain adequate records for the schools, including a system of financial accounts, business and property records, personnel records, school population, and scholastic records. Act as custodian of such records and all contracts, securities, documents, title papers, books of records, and other papers belonging to the Board.
• Be directly responsible for news releases and/or other items of public interest emanating from all employees that pertain to education matters, policies, procedures, school-related incidents, or events. Approve media interviews of this nature with school employees.
• Provide for the optimum use of the staff of the school. See that the school is staffed with competent people who are delegated authority commensurate with their responsibilities. Define the duties of all personnel.
• See that appropriate in-service training is conducted. Summon employees of the school to attend such regular and occasional meetings as are necessary to carry out the educational programs of the school.
• Before action by the Board, recommend the appointment, discipline, or termination of employment of the administrators of the school.
• Before action by the Board, recommend the appointment, discipline, or termination of employment of teaching and non-teaching personnel of the school.
• See to the development throughout the school of high standards of performance in educational achievement, use and development of personnel, public responsibility, and operating efficiency.
• See that effective relations with employee organizations are maintained and assume ultimate responsibility for collective negotiations with employees of the school.
• See that the development, authorization, and maintenance of an appropriate budgetary procedure are properly administered. Prepare the annual proposed budget and submit it to the Board by March 1 or at such earlier date as is necessary to provide an adequate opportunity for the Board’s discussion and deliberation.
• See that all funds, physical assets, and other property of the school are appropriately safeguarded and administered.
• File, or cause to be filed, all reports, requests, and appropriations as required by various governing bodies and/or Board policies.
• Establish and maintain liaison with community groups that are interested or involved in the educational programs of the school.
• Establish and maintain liaison with other schools, the Ministry of Education Department of Private Education, colleges and universities, and international school organizations (NESA, ECIS, MSA, etc.)
• Act on own discretion in cases where action is necessary on any matter not covered by Board policy or directive. Report such action to the Board as soon as practicable and recommend policy to guide the future.

Primary Relationships:

The superintendent observes and conducts the following relationships:

A. Board:

• As School Director, be accountable to the Board for the administration of the educational system and the interpretation and fulfillment of the previously mentioned functions, primary activities, and responsibilities.
• Attend, or have a representative attend, all meetings of the Board.
• Represent the school as the chief executive officer in dealings with other school systems, professional organizations, business firms, agencies of government, and the public.
• Report directly to the Board and, as required, to all appropriate governmental agencies.
• Act as reference agent for problems brought to the Board.
• Work with the Board to develop appropriate programs and policies upon either the recommendation of the superintendent or the initiative of the Board.

B. Administrators:

• Directly oversee the work of school personnel.
• Hold regular meetings with Principals, Coordinators/Directors, and all other administrators to discuss progress and educational problems facing the school.
• Direct the operations and activities of administrators; see that they effectively guide and coordinate the operations and activities of the educational system; secure their assistance in formulating internal objectives, plans, and programs; evaluate their job performance; and stand ready at all times to render them advice and support.
• Responsible for all evaluations of administrators.

C. Others:

• Work with other Board employees and advisors, including auditors, architects, attorneys, consultants, and contractors.
• Hold such meetings with teachers and other employees as is necessary for the discussion of matters concerning the improvements and welfare of the schools.
• Represent the school before the public and maintain, through cooperative leadership, both within and without the school, such a program of public relations as may keep the public informed as to the activities, needs, and successes of the school.
• Receive all complaints, comments, concerns, and criticisms regarding the operation of the school from the public, employees, students, parents, and Board members.