What are the responsibilities and job description for the Superintendent of Schools - EPSD position at East Providence School Department?
Position Overview
Title: Superintendent of Schools
Department: Administration
Classification: Administrator (12 months)
Reports To: School Committee
The Superintendent of Schools serves as the chief executive officer of the East Providence School Department and provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to ensure high levels of achievement for all students. The Superintendent is responsible for setting direction, aligning resources, and holding the system accountable for results, while fostering a culture of excellence, equity, and continuous improvement.
Core Responsibilities
Vision, Strategy, and Governance
Certification or eligibility for certification as a Superintendent of Schools in Rhode Island
Master’s degree required; Doctoral degree preferred
Significant leadership experience in public education, including central office or district-level administration; prior Superintendent experience preferred
Demonstrated success in improving student outcomes and leading organizational change
Strong expertise in school finance, policy, and system-level leadership
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including, but not limited to, sitting, standing, stretching, and walking. The employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear.
The employee is frequently required to use hands, handle, or feel. The employee must be able to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to, lifting, and/or moving light objects up to ten (10) lbs., and occasionally lift items slightly over ten (10) lbs. The use of a step stool may be required to reach the top drawer of a filing cabinet as necessary. Specific vision abilities include close vision and color vision.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
- Develop and implement a clear, student-centered vision for the district aligned with School Committee priorities
- Lead the development and execution of a multi-year strategic plan with measurable outcomes
- Serve as the primary advisor to the School Committee, providing data-driven recommendations and ensuring policy implementation
- Establish a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement across the organization
- Ensure significant and measurable improvements in student outcomes, including graduation rates, academic proficiency, and college/career readiness
- Eliminate opportunity and achievement gaps among student groups
- Oversee the design and implementation of a rigorous, culturally responsive, and standards-aligned instructional program
- Expand access to advanced academic pathways, including early college, Advanced Placement (AP), dual enrollment, career pathways, and other postsecondary opportunities
- Build and sustain a high-performing leadership team aligned to district goals
- Establish systems for recruiting, developing, evaluating, and retaining exceptional staff
- Promote a culture of professional growth, collaboration, and shared responsibility for student success
- Develop and manage a fiscally responsible, long-term financial plan aligned with strategic priorities
- Ensure transparent budgeting practices and effective allocation of resources to maximize student outcomes
- Advocate for resources and funding at the local, state, and federal levels
- Ensure the effective performance of all district systems, including academics, operations, student services, and school safety
- Oversee long-range planning for facilities, capital improvements, and infrastructure modernization
- Ensure systems and processes are efficient, responsive, and aligned to support teaching and learning
- Serve as the district’s lead ambassador, building strong relationships with families, community organizations, and civic leaders
- Foster meaningful family and community engagement in support of student success
- Develop and sustain partnerships that expand opportunities and supports for students
- Champion equity by ensuring all students have access to high-quality instruction, resources, and opportunities
- Promote inclusive practices and a safe, supportive learning environment for all students and staff
- Lead with a commitment to the whole child, addressing academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations
- Maintain ethical standards and sound risk management practices across the district