The School of the Osage Board of Education believes the legislation of policy is its most important function. Furthermore, the Board delegates to the superintendent the responsibility for the execution of policy and the development of all necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement the same. The delineation of responsibility provides the superintendent freedom to manage the district within the framework of Board policies, and frees the Board to devote its time to policy-making and appraisal functions.

The Board will authorize the superintendent to act in all matters of decision and administration which come within his or her scope as chief executive officer of the Board, or as professional leader of the district, as determined by the established policies of the Board. While the Board reserves to itself the ultimate decision of all matters concerning general policy or expenditures of funds, it will normally proceed in these areas after receiving recommendations from its executive officer. Furthermore, the following provisions shall serve as guideposts in the Board-superintendent relationship:

1. As its executive officer, the superintendent is the official contact between the Board and the staff, and will act as spokesperson for the staff insofar as school operations are concerned.

2. The superintendent will have the privilege of asking guidance from the Board with respect to matters of operation whenever so desired. Where it may be necessary to make exceptions to an established policy, such matters will be submitted to the Board for advice and direction.

3. The superintendent will assist the Board in reaching sound judgments and establishing policies, and will place before the Board relevant facts, information and reports necessary to keep the Board adequately informed concerning situations or business at hand.

Within this framework of various responsibilities, good communication between the Board and superintendent is essential for the smooth and efficient operation of the district.