Cyndy Simms Discusses the Role of a School

Superintendent

Students are keenly aware of a teachers role in their education and

perhaps even the role of the school principal. While they may be aware that
there is also a superintendent assigned to their school district, very few
students, if any, know what that position entails.
Cyndy Simms, who currently serves as superintendent for Californias San
Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District, has more than two decades
of experience and has served in this capacity for a number of districts,
including Placerville Union School District, Steamboat Springs School
District in Colorado, and Mercer Island School District in Washington state.
Here she sheds some light on the vital role a school superintendent plays in
the public school system.
Administrative duties: The school superintendent works directly with the
districts board of directors and is responsible for certain administrative
duties, such as preparing the annual budget, preparing applications and
reports for state and federal agencies, and making recommendations about
district personnel issues.
Educational role: The superintendent also provides critical leadership for
the district in matters involving the continuous improvement of school

operations and programs as it relates to teaching and learning, professional

development programs for district employees, and any and all issues
affecting the best interest of students.