The Office of Regional Superintendent

The Regional Superintendent of Schools is the chief administrative educational officer of an educational service region, and the only elected education professional office in Illinois.The Office of the Regional Superintendent performs regulatory functions as directed by the Illinois School Code.

The Code states that, "The Regional Superintendent of Schools:

• shall exercise supervision and control over all school districts in the county.
• shall act as the official advisor and assistant of the school officers and teachers in his region. In the performance of this duty he shall carry out the advice of the State Superintendent of Education." 

In addition to coordinating and delivering state and local services, the Regional Superintendent acts as an advocate for education by providing positive leadership and disseminating information for educators, school districts and the community.

Responsibilities of the Regional Superintendent

Educational Administration

• Respond to legal questions from educators, boards of education and other citizens.
• Supervise and assist in transportation programs, scientific literacy programs and other staff development programs
• Administer the G.E.D. testing programs and issue diplomas.
• Disseminate information on scholarships and teacher vacancies.
• Conduct professional growth opportunities.
• Approve school calendars, in-service days, workshops and institutes.
• Conduct hearings for School Districts reorganization.
• Administer Truancy Intervention programs and Safe School Alternative Education programs.

Cooperation Management

• Assist the Illinois State Board of Education in the evaluation and recognition of public schools, and private schools who ask to be recognized.
• Maintain maps of all school districts.
• Administer cooperative programs.
• Monitor public schools during strikes.
• Remove any member of a school board for failure to perform official duties.
• Assist with cooperatives, special education programs and vocational programs.
• Serve as Ex-Officio secretary of the Regional Board of School Trustees.

Financial

• Audit district claims for General State Aid, categorical funds, and Federal grants.
• Review budgets, audits, evidence of indebtedness and annual financial reports.
• Check bonding of school treasurers.
• Disburse state and federal funds.
• Act as administrative and/or fiscal agent for appropriate programs.

Health and Life Safety

• Visit and inspect each public school annually.
• Supervise school buildings for health and life safety and condemn buildings if necessary.
• Provide courses in safety and first aid for bus drivers.
• Approve and issue building permits and occupancy permits.

Public Relations

• Respond to questions and concerns, including legal questions, from parents, teachers, administrators, board of education and other citizens.
• Promote and support educational programs and achievements of the schools and educators.
• Hold public hearings on topics vital to education.
• Serve as liaison between the state legislature and local school districts.
• Serve as liaison between the Illinois State Board of Education and local school districts.

Transportation

The Regional Office is responsible for conducting the initial training required for all new school bus drivers prior to getting a bus permit and the annual refresher workshop required in the 12-month period prior to renewal. Experienced drivers must take a two-hour refresher course annually, and all new drivers must take an eight-hour course in school bus driver safety and first aid, as prescribed by the Illinois State Board of Education and administered by the ROE.

Special Duties

Special duties of the Regional Superintendent are stated in the School Code and can be summarized in two major areas: Service and Assurances to the Public.

Service

Service components are generally grouped as: legislative, legal, cooperative management, research dissemination, educational administration and citizen representation. Each component requires specific skills placing the Regional Superintendent in an alliance role. As the alliance agent, the Regional Superintendent brings together people, concepts and resources to provide educational services.

Assurances to the Public

Assurances to the public include: fiscal responsibilities, local performance, life safety, certification, supervision and curriculum. In these areas, legislation places enforcement responsibilities on the Regional Superintendent to guarantee that certain minimums are met and legal parameters followed. In most instances, enforcement responsibilities becomes services to help schools and school personnel meet minimum expectation.

During the school year, the Regional Superintendent and staff receive hundreds of telephone calls, letters and visits from parents, school personnel, and citizens concerning a multitude of educational concerns. It is the policy of the Regional Superintendent to give prompt service and accurate information to any individual or group seeking assistance.