3057: Administrator Evaluation
The board shall observe and evaluate the Administrator based upon actual classroom observations for an entire instructional period at least twice during his first year of employment and at least once each year thereafter. Additional evaluations may be conducted at the discretion of the board. For the purposes of this policy, “actual classroom observation” shall mean observing the Administrator performing activities that are typical of his or her position. An “entire instructional period” for administrators cannot be defined in terms of an instructional period and shall be satisfied by the actual observation of some aspect of the Administrator’s work during the semester for no less than 40 minutes.
Purpose. The purposes of the formal job evaluation are:
- To provide a means of rational, structured communication between the board and Administrator to create a more constructive and effective working relationship.
- To provide a basis for commending, rewarding and reinforcing good work, as well as identifying areas where the Administrator needs to improve.
- To clarify the Administrator’s role and inform the Administrator of the board’s expectations.
Dates. Unless otherwise provided for in the Administrator’s employment contract, the first year evaluations should take place (1) at or prior to the October board meeting, and (2) at or prior to the January board meeting. Annual evaluations shall take place at a board meeting held during the month before the date in the Administrator’s employment contract by which the board must notify the Administrator of its intention to consider the nonrenewal or amendment of the contract. In the absence of such a contract provision, the annual evaluation should take place at or prior to the March board meeting. The Administrator shall remind the Board members in writing at least 45 days before the date of each upcoming evaluation and shall make his evaluation an agenda item for the board meeting.
Evaluation Document. The Administrator shall submit a recommended evaluation document to the board. The board shall meet and discuss the proposed document with the Administrator. The board may amend and adopt the proposed evaluation document. The board may amend the document or adopt a new document without amending this policy. The Administrator shall submit the evaluation document to the Nebraska Department of Education.
Evaluation Procedures. Each board member shall have the opportunity to complete a draft evaluation document. The board president shall compile the individual draft evaluations into a single and final evaluation, provide a copy to the Administrator, and discuss it with him or her. The Administrator’s evaluation may be conducted in closed session if it is necessary to prevent needless injury to the Administrator’s reputation and if he or she has not requested it be done in open session.
Deficiencies. If deficiencies are noted in the Administrator’s work performance, the board shall provide the Administrator at the time of the observation with a list of deficiencies and a list of suggestions for improvement and assistance in overcoming the deficiencies. The board shall also provide the Administrator with follow-up evaluations and assistance when deficiencies remain, a timeline for improvement, and sufficient time to improve. In the alternative, the board may rely upon the Administrator’s education, training, and expertise and require him or her to submit a “list of suggestions for improvement” or plan of improvement for the board’s consideration.
Personnel File. The evaluation shall be signed by the board president (or other member of the board) and the Administrator. The Administrator shall place a copy of the evaluation in his or her personnel file. The Administrator may provide a written response to the evaluation to the board. A copy of the response shall also be placed in the Administrator’s personnel file. The board may meet with the Administrator to discuss the written response.
Policy Limitation. The evaluation procedures are included in this policy as a result of the board’s statutory obligation to evaluate the Administrator and do not give the Administrator any rights not provided by statute. The board’s failure to comply with any procedures provided in this policy but not required by law shall not prohibit the board from taking any action regarding the Administrator’s employment, up to and including the nonrenewal, amendment, or cancellation of the employment contract.
Adopted on: December 10, 2018
Revised on: ________________
Reviewed on: June 13, 2022