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Leadership works together to support education Recently, I have received many comments and questions from parents and citizens about the operation of our schools, which raises the issue of the relationship between the Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools, and the school principals. In particular, a number of questions have been raised about the legitimacy of individual school rules such as those contained in the school handbook. While I have spoken with many of you individually, this letter is a further effort on my part to share with the Wilkes County community how the leadership of the Wilkes County Schools can and should best work together to ensure order as well as a learning environment conducive to the academic achievement of all students. The Georgia Constitution vests each local board of education with the responsibility and authority to "control and manage" the school system, while the Superintendent of Schools serves as the executive officerin charge of the management and supervision of the day to day operations of the school system. Though the relationship between the Superintendent and the Board of Education with each school in the System is ultimately one of management and supervision, it is also important to recognize the professional role and responsibility of the administrative team at each school. Among the responsibilities of the school administration is the establishment of procedures for the effective operation of the school consistent with requirements established by the local Board of Education, the State of Georgia and federal law. The School Handbook is the primary method of communicating the school procedures and rules to the students, the parents, and the community. The Board of Education, along with the Superintendent of Schools, has historically reviewed the rules and procedures on an annual basis prior to the beginning of each school year. The review and approval of school rules are further functions of the Superintendent and Board of Education whose joint responsibility is to provide direction, assistance, and resources to support, and enhance all schools of the Wilkes County School System in meeting organizational and student performance goals. Once approved, all students, teachers, and administrators are governed by these rules for that school year. As Superintendent, it is not and should not become my role to serve as a "super-principal" of any individual school. In fact, constant intervention in the daily affairs of the school by either the Board or myself tends to undermine the meaningful role of the school administration in the decision-making process, which is absolutely necessary to promote a culture of participation, responsibility and ownership. As evidenced by recent news stories from other school systems, micro-management of schools can also raise questions about the School System's ability to maintain its Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation, which is an indispensable requirement for our students who plan to attend college and depend upon the HOPE scholarship in order to do so. Because our local economy and real estate markets are also closely connected to the performance and accreditation of our schools, it is imperative that proper procedures are adhered to so as not to jeopardize our accreditation. One of our beliefs in the Wilkes County School System is that a safe, orderly, and professional academic environment promotes learning. This can only be accomplished if all parties are knowledgeable of their roles and responsibilities and demonstrate this knowledge through effective policies, practices, and procedures. Again, the purpose of this letter is to clarify how the leadership of the Wilkes County School System works together in support of the schools and the education of all students. I hope this information is also helpful in explaining the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. I continue to welcome your input, your questions, and your concerns. Respectfully, Joyce Wiliams Superintendent Wilkes County School System
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