Policy Toolkit
Measurable Accountability
This toolkit supports boards in building strong systems for district accountability and superintendent evaluation. With model policies for data monitoring, goal setting, and evaluation procedures, boards can ensure clarity of expectations, track measurable progress, and make informed decisions rooted in student outcomes.
District Data Monitoring Policy:
Policy to ensure that the Board monitors comprehensive, measurable data across all major areas of district performance on a regular and routine basis.
Sample Board/District Annual Goals :
These sample goals represent a rigorous approach to annual district goals for student outcomes, as well as a solid foundation for any superintendent evaluation.
Download the Policy PPTX
Superintendent Evaluation:
There are 3 cornerstones to a high-quality superintendent evaluation:
1. Process:
Annual procedures for how the process is to be conducted. Includes details regarding the steps in the process, the components of the evaluation, who is responsible for the deliverables, and on what timelines. The process includes evaluation elements that may change on an annual basis (e.g., annual performance objectives). Board members working to establish the 3 cornerstones may find it easier to cultivate consensus for the process first before pursuing changes to policy.
2. Policy:
Major building blocks of the evaluation process that are timeless and universal. The policy does NOT include elements that change on an annual basis.
3. Contract:
The superintendent employment contract should enable all components of the evaluation process, incorporate annual performance objectives as an attachment to the contract, specify whether a performance-based bonus or salary increase is earned when performance objectives are achieved, and empower the board to make contract renewal or termination decisions based on the results of the evaluation. Superintendent contract changes are best pursued at the time of renewing an existing contract or prior to selecting a new superintendent and starting a new contract.
