Question: What is the county office of education's role when a school district appoints a new superintendent? Is there some formality that should occur, and what is the county office's role and obligations? Do we endorse this appointment?

Response: The county office of education has no formal role or obligation in the selection process of a school district superintendent. The selection process of a district superintendent is the responsibility of the school district board to manage, and often the school board will invite the county office to participate in that process. If the county office participated, they would certainly be expected to provide feedback and recommendations about the candidates; by their participation in the district selection process you could argue the county office is "endorsing" candidates.  But outside this process, we believe it would not be good public policy for the county office to endorse a candidate.

5/20/09