The superintendent of schools, also known as the superintendent of education, superintendent of public instruction,secretary of education, or chief school administrator, is a statewide office responsible for overseeing and coordinating the state's elementary and secondary schools.
Within the U.S., school superintendents are usually selected by members of the particular district's school board. Often, the superintendent sits on the board as a non-voting member. School boards may consist of either appointed or elected members. Likewise, the superintendent's position also varies by state.
The position of superintendent exists in all 50 states; it is elected in 12 and appointed in the remaining 38.
Some states may require a candidate for the superintendency to hold a Ph.D., Ed.D., or similar terminal degree. An active teaching certification is also a common requirement.
An appointed superintendent may have a set term and thus be subject to reappointment. In addition to this, appointed superintendents serve at the pleasure of the appointing body or official and may be fired or asked to resign.
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