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.
As an intermediate agency between the Illinois State Board of Education
and local school districts, 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.
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 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 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 his 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.