Board gives first reading to ASBA advisories on superintendent qualifications; member urges added criteria

At the Florence Unified School District board meeting, members conducted the first reading of ASBA policy advisories 868 and 869, which address superintendent qualifications and related administrative responsibilities.

Board member Miss Quist said she was surprised by the language in advisory 868. "I laughed after I read it because it says qualifications of the superintendent, and then the only qualification listed is a valid fingerprint card," she said, raising concerns that the advisory’s minimal wording could lead to non-instructional hires. Other board members noted that changes in state law broadened eligibility for superintendent positions — for example, to allow candidates from business or chief financial officer backgrounds — but emphasized the board retains the option to add local qualifications to ensure instructional leadership if it chooses.

Members also discussed adding the phrase "or designee" where advisories state the superintendent shall perform duties, to reflect usual practice of delegating some responsibilities to staff. The item was on first reading only; the board did not adopt policy language at the meeting and can propose edits at later meetings.