what is a superintendent?
Like a business CEO, you'll manage the budget, greet fellow leaders and have some involvement with hiring and firing people along with communicating with the board of directors--in this case, the school board.
Typically, superintendents don't work directly with parents and teachers. Principals work with these groups and report back to you. If you work in a large school district, you might have an assistant superintendent. Otherwise, you're almost solely accountable for your district's successes and failures.
Superintendents submit reports, review policies and try new methods to keep the school district running. You'll need skills in math and communication to hold this position, plus attention to detail. Superintendents potentially make their districts one of the best in the state.
However, you won't see other districts as competitors. Instead, you'll work with fellow superintendents so that every child gets a great education. Similarly, you'll lobby with politicians, helping them pass laws that benefit your students. You're the face of your district, so reports may interview you when major news breaks.
Would working as a superintendent suit your leadership skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a superintendent role.
view jobs near youaverage superintendent salary
In 2022, superintendents made an average of $156,468 per year. If you've held the position for a while, you could potentially negotiate your contract and request a higher salary.
Since taxpayer dollars pay for superintendents, salaries may increase during economic upturns. You could relocate to another district if you're not satisfied with your compensation. Wealthier areas typically have larger schools, which means more students and higher salaries. If possible, you could move to another state with more prosperous districts.
Your school district's enrollment influences your salary. EducationWeek notes that districts with fewer than 300 students pay an average of $106,000 per year. Schools with up to 49,999 students pay the most, with the average salary reaching $258,000. For this reason, you can expect to make less if you live in a rural area.
The School Superintendents Association's report also notes that most superintendents leave their position after five years. You might secure a high salary after you've reached the six-year mark. More experience shows the community that you're committed to your position and have mastered the skills to succeed.
Wondering what you can earn as a superintendent? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a superintendent is.
types of superintendent
Regular superintendents have all the responsibilities of a district CEO. You'll review and develop policies that improve your students' education, make the most out of your budget and help hire the right teachers. If you're an assistant superintendent, you may have opportunities to transfer to this position.
Assistant superintendents usually work in schools with high enrollment levels. They assist students more closely but still work with district higher-ups. Assistant superintendents may review test scores, approve cafeteria menus, lead board meetings, request more funding and make decisions for inclement weather.
working as a superintendent
Superintendents have rewarding jobs that make a difference in students', teachers' and parents' lives. Here's what to expect when you become a superintendent.
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superintendent job description
What does a superintendent do? Superintendents manage the district, which indirectly supports teachers and coaches, janitors and bus drivers in addition to other staff members. While you don't work directly with students, you're responsible for ensuring a safe and educational learning environment. You'll identify and correct issues that may interfere with their learning.
Superintendent job responsibilities may include:
- managing the district's finances
- adjusting to budget changes
- making employment recommendations for teachers and principals
- regularly meeting with the assistant superintendent
- observing board meetings and writing the agenda
- purchasing buses and ordering maintenance
- reviewing the curriculum
- accepting or denying transfer students
As a superintendent, you're also responsible for maintaining a safe campus and transportation options. You'll try to pass bond issues regarding repairing the building, making expansions or tearing down a structure and building a new one. Superintendents also develop bus routes, plus walking and bicycle routes for students who don't ride the bus.
You represent the school district. When an event happens, including a controversy, the media will reach out to you. Your job is to build trust with the media, which transfers to the community. Similarly, you'll interact with parents, educators and business owners in your neighborhood so that you can act in their best interests.
Sometimes, superintendents have to make difficult decisions. You might have to cut classes and teaching positions if the state reduces your budget. Superintendents can also recommend firing a teacher or staff member to the school board.
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superintendent work environment
Superintendents work indoors in private offices on campus. Many people will keep in touch with you through email and software platforms. Most superintendents work in the office, but you might be able to work remotely in special circumstances. You probably won't have a long commute because most superintendents live in their school district.
As a superintendent, you'll attend school board meetings and visit other districts. You may travel to events and conferences for educational and networking purposes. Superintendents also spend time on the school campus, although you won't have many direct interactions with students.
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who are your colleagues?
You'll have an assistant superintendent if you work for a large school. Superintendents also have regular meetings with principals and assistant principals where they gather information from parents and teachers. Other colleagues include office staff, cafeteria workers and janitors along with bus drivers, teachers and coaches. You'll spend a lot of time talking to the school board — in fact, they might be the group that hires you. Outside of school, you'll interact with politicians and news reporters.
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work schedule
Unlike teachers, superintendents work all year round. The summer months allow you to make preparations for the upcoming school year, such as repairing buildings or hiring new staff. You'll continue to interact with colleagues, school board members and media professionals before the campus reopens.
Virtually every superintendent works full time. Ideally, you'll have regular office hours, but the superintendents often work overtime. School functions can be unpredictable, and coworkers may need immediate assistance after your office hours.
The public expects you to make unpaid appearances, such as attending school fairs and sporting events. This gives you another chance to meet parents and showcase your dedication to your district. Like teachers, you might have to put in weekend, holiday and overtime hours. You'll probably have to be at school when students have the day off.
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job outlook for superintendents
Superintendents have a positive job outlook. Virtually every school district needs your skills, and if you perform well, you'll become a valued leader in your region. Your position is so important that even rural superintendents can make six-figure salaries. For career growth, transfer to bigger districts with more students.
As a superintendent, you're at the top of the school district. You'll probably put in several years to get to this position. Superintendents don't necessarily advance from here, but you could maneuver into another position, such as a job with your state's Department of Education.
Similar positions include assistant superintendent, principal and assistant principal. You might prefer one of these jobs if you want more direct contact with teachers and students. However, you can expect a pay cut.
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Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a superintendent is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
superintendent skills and education
Superintendents need years of education experience before they climb the ranks. Most superintendents start out as teachers. You'll need teaching experience before you can secure a principal or vice principal job. Once you've worked as a principal for a while, the school board may consider your superintendent application.
Most districts expect you to have a bachelor's degree. Preferably, you'll have a master's degree or doctorate in the educational field. Before you apply, look up the licenses and certifications in your area. Common requirements include a public school administrator’s license and passing grades on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) and School Superintendent Assessment.
You can expect to work in related positions for at least a decade. Typically, superintendents need significant experience as teachers and principals, not just a year or two. When you've held these jobs, you'll know what teachers, principals and colleagues need from you to succeed.
Superintendents regularly use software, so certifications in Excel, PowerPoint and other platforms stand out on your resume. You'll also use software made specifically for school administrators. To continue your education, attend conferences that provide tools, resources and updates on the educational field.
skills and competencies
You'll arrive at the job with dozens of skills that you already earned as a teacher and vice principal. However, superintendents need specialized tools to handle their daily responsibilities. Essential skills include:
- software and technology proficiency
- budget management
- leadership and communication
- problem solving
- ability to understand different perspectives
- networking
- commitment to education
- willingness to learn
Since you're the district CEO, you'll exhibit leadership and professionalism wherever you go. Parents expect you to conduct yourself well if they meet you at a school event or run into you on the street. You'll be friendly and courteous when you interact with politicians and news reporters even during times of crisis.
Superintendents interact with a diverse range of people. Reporters, politicians and parents in addition to teachers, assistants and principals: you'll need to get along with all of them and adjust your behavior accordingly. However, superintendents also have valuable negotiation skills. You'll work to secure the laws, faculty and funding that your district needs to succeed.
Flexibility is one of the most important skills. You'll find yourself in unexpected situations where you need to think on your feet. You might have to visit several locations and greet dozens of people in a single day. The state and school board could also have surprise announcements.
FAQs about working as a superintendent
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about superintendents
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do superintendents have to be teachers?
Virtually no district will hire a superintendent with no teaching experience. You'll need to teach for several years before you become a principal, then advance to a superintendent. Expect to work several years before you can apply for a superintendent position.
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how much education do superintendents need?
Typically, superintendents need a bachelor's degree in an educational field. Your resume looks more attractive if you have a master's or doctorate degree. You might not have time to go back to school while you're working, but you can look for online learning opportunities, such as short classes and virtual events.
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are superintendents paid well?
The average superintendent makes six figures each year, with some salaries topping $200,000. However, you might make five figures if you live in a rural area with a low student population. Fortunately, you can increase your income by moving to a larger school district.
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do superintendents work with students?
When you leave a teaching position, you'll have increasingly less contact with students and more contact with administrative staff. However, you might interact with students when you attend events, visit classrooms or greet them in passing. Students look up to you even if they don't see you often, so being friendly and courteous is important.
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how do superintendents interact with the school board?
The school board hires superintendents and listens to their recommendations before making a decision. You might not have the final say, but you'll give advice that influences the outcome for your district. You'll also write agendas for meetings and respond to their requests for information.
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how do I find a job as a superintendents?
Applying for a superintendents job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our superintendents jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
