3000

ADMINISTRATIVE GOALS

The Board of Education believes that proper administration is vital to a successful educational program. The coordination and supervision of all aspects of the operations of the district's schools, pursuant to the policies of the Board, are necessary for the development and maintenance of an effective learning environment. Administrative duties and functions are to be assessed in terms of their contributions to the improvement of education in the district. The Superintendent of Schools, as chief executive officer of the district, is to provide the leadership necessary to support this objective.

District administration is to be organized so that all divisions and departments of the central office and all schools operate within a system guided by Board policies, which are implemented through the Superintendent. The Board will approve the purpose and function of each administrative position as recommended by the Superintendent. The Superintendent will maintain a comprehensive and coordinated set of job descriptions and evaluations for all administrative positions. All personnel will have the necessary authority and responsibility to carry out their respective assignments within this framework. Accountability will rest with these same personnel for the effectiveness with which their duties are performed.

Major goals of district administration will be:

1. to effectively manage the district's various departments, units and programs;

2. to provide professional advice and counsel to the Board and to advisory groups established by Board action. This includes the review of policy alternatives and the subsequent recommendation from among them;

3. to perform managerial duties as will best assure effective learning programs, including but not limited to:

a. ensuring the effective implementation of Board policy;

b. addressing the on-site needs of the district's schools;

c. providing leadership in keeping abreast of current educational developments;

d. arranging for effective staff development programs;

e. coordinating cooperative efforts at improving learning programs, facilities, equipment and materials; and

f. providing channels for the upward flow of information necessary and useful in the design and development of school policy;

g. maintaining councils and committees to foster good communication with staff, provide members of staff with an advisory role in the development of polices and in the making of decisions affecting them, and to participate in the Inter-district Committees formed by Districts 13, 24, 30 and Central High School District 1.

1 st Reading 11/20/00

2 nd Reading & Adoption 12/20/00


3007.2R5

Notification of Release of Sex Offenders

The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of the students enrolled in the District schools and for those youngsters participating in District programs or events. In light of that responsibility, the Board desires that appropriate precautionary measures be taken in the event the District shall receive information from an appropriate law enforcement agency regarding convicted sex offenders who reside within the District’s boundaries.

It is the policy of this Board that whenever such information is received from a local law enforcement agency, or other appropriate office, the information shall be disseminated by the Superintendent or his or her designee to the following:

  • central office administrators;
  • building principals;
  • security personnel;
  • people responsible for monitoring persons visiting on school district property;
  • individuals supervising students’ arrival or departure from school;
  • playground supervisors;
  • custodians;
  • club and intramural activity advisors, athletic coaches;
  • bus drivers and/or bus matrons;
  • safety escorts;
  • all staff members;
  • anyone else identified by the Superintendent on a need to know basis;
  • law enforcement authorities;
  • Board of Education; and
  • Parents

All parties who receive notification will be advised that it is a violation of the law to use the information they receive to harass or discriminate against the individual. In addition, staff shall be instructed not to further disclose such information.

Such personnel shall further be instructed to notify their immediate supervisor in the event they observe any suspicious person in an area where children congregate, and supervisors and building administrators will contact local parole and law enforcement authorities, if a convicted sex offender is so observed.

The Administration shall notify the Division of Parole and all law enforcement authorities having jurisdiction within the District, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, of the names and address of all private schools and non-school groups which provide services or programs to children on or within school facilities and request that the Division of Parole and law enforcement authorities provide such schools and/or groups with the information that has been provided to the District.

The Administration shall confer with the school attorneys with respect to any questions concerning the application of this policy.

Listed below are pertinent legal references to the above:

Correction Law, Art. 6-C (Sex Offender Registration Act)

Doe V. Pataki, 3 F.Supp.2d 456 (S.D.N.Y.1998) (current injunction).

Doe v. Pataki, 120 F.3d 1263 (2d Cir. 1997), cert denied, 118 Sup. Ct. 1066 (1998).

1 st Reading 3/24/99

2 nd Reading 4/27/99

Adopted 4/27/99


3120

 DUTIES OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

 The responsibility for administration of the policies and directives of the Board of Education, and the conduct and supervision of the district’s school system rests with the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent, as Chief Executive Officer, will discharge the duties set forth below as well as those required by law and those customarily practiced by the Office of the Superintendent.

In case of an emergency not covered by any Board policy, the Superintendent my exercise full authority and report any action taken to the Board as soon as possible but not later than the next regular meeting.

The Superintendent’s duties include the following:

1. attendance at all Board meetings or represented by another member of the administration whenever necessary, and the Superintendent will also attend Board committee meetings;

2. implementation of Board policies, rules and regulations;

3. the development of administrative regulations for school district operation. (Such regulations will be derived from and consistent with Board policy and will be evaluated and approved by the Board prior to implementation);

4. general supervision of all school district activities;

5. responsibility for the educational advancement and growth of district students and the school system (in this duty, the Superintendent will make recommendations and advise the Board in all matters concerning curriculum, learning standards, course study, activities, student admissions and entrance, discipline, grading, student promotion and textbook related educational material selection);

6. general supervision over all district employees and make recommendations to the Board with respect to appointments, service changes, terminations, promotions, hiring, recruitment, selection and training;

7. authority to suspend staff for cause in accordance with relevant laws and employee contract agreements (the Superintendent will advise the Board as soon as possible when this occurs);

8. preparation and submission to the Board of regular reports discussing conditions and developments in the school system with recommendations for action, if appropriate;

9. preparation of annual report to Board including a proposed budget

10. authority to approve attendance of district employees for educational meetings with necessary expenses paid by the district.

Except where expressly prohibited by law, the Superintendent may delegate to other district administrators the exercise of any power and discharge of any duties assigned to the Superintendent. Any delegation of power or duty does not relieve the Superintendent of any final responsibility for action taken.

Absence of Superintendent

In the event of the absence of the Superintendent, the following procedures will be followed:

1. The Superintendent will designate an administrator to be in charge of the district when he/she will be out of the district for conferences and meetings.

2. The Superintendent will notify the Board when he/she will be out of the district.

3. The Superintendent, if able, will designate an administrator to chair the Administrator’s Council and report back to the Superintendent its operations.

4. In the event the Superintendent is unable to resume his/her duties, the Board of Education will meet as soon as possible to determine the appropriate steps necessary for the smooth operation of the district.

The Board of Education will conduct an annual written evaluation of the Superintendent subject to Board Policy 0320.

Ref : Education Law §§1604(8); 1711; 1804

1 st Reading 11/20/00

2 nd Reading & Adoption 12/20/00


 3200

ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION

 The administrative organization of the district is of the single executive type, with the Board of Education as the governing body and with all activities under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools. Its major objective is to assist in the achievement of an effective instructional program for its children.

 1 st Reading 11/20/00

2 nd Reading & Adoption 12/20/00


3220

 ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCILS, CABINETS, COMMITTEES

Administrative Council

The Administrative Council is composed of the Superintendent of Schools, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Assistant Superintendent for Special Services, and the Principals. The Superintendent serves as the Chair.

Weekly meetings are scheduled.  All recommendations to the Superintendent are made by consensus rather than by a formal vote.

As a district leadership group, the Administrative Council frequently invites other knowledgeable persons to its meetings to advise and consult on important matters.  Each member of the Council serves as an administrative liaison to one of the district committees and reports on the progress and recommendations of that committee.

Copies of minutes are sent to all administrative personnel.

All members of the Administrative Council are expected to attend regular Board of Education meetings.

Educational Consultation Committee

This Committee is to be comprised of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of each of the four district school buildings; the Chairperson of the District Thirteen Teachers’ Association, the Superintendent and any other administrator designated by the Superintendent.  Any member may invite additional participants as appropriate.  Meetings will be held after school on the second Wednesday of each month.

The purpose of this group is to discuss educational and other matters that may affect the district, which do not come under the category of negotiable items to be handled by the Valley Stream Teachers’ Association.  Problems and issues in the individual school buildings will be discussed only if they cannot be resolved at the building level.

The Chairperson of the Educational Consultation Committee will be elected and a secretary will be appointed at the last meeting of the school year.  This meeting will be open to both outgoing and incoming officers of the district.

Building Shared Decision Making Committee

The composition of this committee shall consist of three parents (including a PTA Executive Council member); three faculty members (including a VSTA building representative); one member of the support staff; and the building principal.

The terms of office shall be as follows:

1.  The PTA Executive Council representative and the VSTA building representative shall serve one year terms;
2.  The remaining parents and faculty members and the support staff member shall serve two-year terms.

The committee shall conduct these meetings and address educational issues according to the plan approved by the Board of Education.

Inter-District Committee

The Inter-District Committee on Curriculum and Teaching was established in 1953 by the Valley Stream districts’ Superintendents.  The Committee is composed of one representative from each of the four districts in Valley Stream.

The Committee has two main functions:

1. to sponsor and maintain a program of in-service education for the Valley Stream teachers;
2. to coordinate the work of the three elementary districts and the high school district in matters related to the area of the curriculum.

All committees, study groups and survey groups functioning across the district lines work through the sponsorship of the committee.

1st Reading November 20, 2000
2nd Reading & Adoption December 20, 2000

1st Reading January 22, 2008
2nd Reading and Re-adoption February 26, 2008

1st Reading August 16, 2011
2nd Reading and Adoption September 27, 2011



ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCILS, CABINETS, COMMITTEES REGULATION

A committee represents a cross section of a school community.  It can, therefore, serve as a viable means of studying, evaluating, and/or changing various phases of school life.  In order to assist committees in fulfilling their respective “charges” the following guidelines have been developed.

Initiation of the Committee

1. Committees may grow out of recommendations from district staff, parents, community members, Education Consultation Committee, Administrative Council, or the Board of Education.
2. Committees will be formed after careful discussion among concerned parties and Board assessments.
3. The Superintendent will make the final decision concerning the formation of an official committee.
4. Curriculum areas (reading, language arts, science, social studies, and math) are studied on a cyclical basis, usually every five years.

Charge to the Committee

1. The Superintendent will prepare the written charge to the committee. It should include the purpose, scope, completion date, and any other relevant data.
2. If a committee is unable to fulfill its charge it may seek a revision of this charge from the Superintendent.

Membership of the Committee

1.The extent of membership on a committee is determined by the nature and depth of the intended study, however, a balanced and representative group is desirable.
2. Committee members are sought from staff and citizens of the community who have an interest and concern in the particular area being studied. Since membership is on a voluntary basis, all faculty members should receive written notice of the formation of a new committee prior to its establishment.
3. Central High School District-One central high school district representative should be sought on all district curriculum committees, where articulation is needed between the elementary and secondary schools.

Operation of the Committee

1. The Chairperson of a committee should be elected by its members.
2. In large committees a chairperson may form a steering group to assist in planning and expending the work of the larger group.
3.  A committee should meet as often as necessary to complete its charge.
4.  All committee meetings should be open meetings.
5. A committee may invite consultants to attend one or more of its meetings in an advisory capacity.
6. If the committee needs additional members this matter should be proposed to the Superintendent.
7. Committee members should seek opinions and comments from the groups they represent so their viewpoint reflects a broader area than the membership
of the committee.
8. Close communication should exist among the committee, faculty, and administration.  This avoids conflicts at the end of a report, and welds the various groups together in supporting the efforts of an appointed committee.
9.  Regular reports of a committee’s progress should be given through the distribution of minutes, oral summaries at faculty meetings, and prepared interim and final reports.
10. If a stalemate has been reached in the functioning of a committee, the chairperson and a representative group of committee members should meet  with the Superintendent to reassess its charge or to seek the termination of the committee.
11. The final written report of a committee should be submitted to the Superintendent at the specified date.  Any member of the committee may submit any additional reports.
12. When modifications of final recommendations are being considered, every possible effort should be taken to obtain mutual agreement between the Committee and the Administrative Council to the proposed changes.
13. Secretarial services are available on a building or district level to handle typing, duplicating, and the distribution of committee reports and minutes.

Implementations of Committee Recommendations

1. The Superintendent has the legal responsibility to accept, modify, or reject recommendations of a committee.
2. If a committee recommendation cannot be implemented, the reasons should be explained to the committee members and faculty.
3. It is the responsibility of the Administrative Council to implement the recommendations of the committee.
4. A representative group of the original committee should be appointed by the Superintendent to assess the impact and implementation of the Committee’s recommendations and to determine the need for continuing the original committee.

1st Reading November 20, 2000
2nd Reading & Adoption December 20, 2000

 


3230

 ORGANIZATION CHART

 An organization chart for the district will be prepared and maintained by the Superintendent of Schools, subject to approval by the Board. The Chart will clearly designate the relationships of all employees within the district’s organization. All changes will be approved by the Board.

 1 st Reading 11/20/00

2 nd Reading & Adoption 12/20/00


3240

 LINE AND STAFF RELATIONS

 The central office administrative staff, comprised of the Superintendent of Schools, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Director of Instruction, and the Director of Special Services are responsible for over-all system-wide educational leadership and for coordinating the educational program within policies established by the Board.

The following principles shall govern the administrative operation of the school system:

1. The Superintendent of Schools shall have specific responsibility for overseeing the district educational programs.

2. Responsibility shall flow from the Board of Education, to the Superintendent, to Building Principals, to teachers.

3. Each member of the staff shall be informed as to whom he/she is responsible and for what functions.

4. Whenever possible, each member of the staff shall be made responsible to only one immediate supervisor for any one function.

5. Each staff member shall be informed as to whom he/she can appeal in case of disagreement with an immediate superior.

6. Each staff member shall be informed as to whom he/she should report to for help in carrying out his/her functions.

Line of Responsibility

Each employee in the school system shall be responsible to the Board through the Superintendent.

The Building Principals are the responsible administrators for their buildings. All personnel (including professional staff, classified staff, student teachers and interns) are to report to their respective Building Principal.

All personnel shall refer matters requiring administrative action to the administrative officer immediately in charge of the area in which the problem arises.

Administrative officers shall refer such matters to the next higher authority when deemed necessary.

All employees shall have the right to appeal any decision made by an administrative officer to the next higher authority and through appropriate successive steps to the Board.

1 st Reading 11/20/00

2 nd Reading & Adoption 12/20/00