1. School Board/Board of Education:
* Highest Governing Body: This elected body is responsible for the overall governance and policy-making of the school district. They set the district's budget, approve curriculum, hire the superintendent, and establish overall educational goals. They are typically responsible to the community they serve.
2. Superintendent:
* Chief Executive Officer: The superintendent is the chief executive officer of the school district, responsible for the day-to-day operations. They implement the board's policies, manage the district's staff and resources, and provide leadership for the entire district. They often report directly to the school board.
3. Central Office Administration:
* Support Staff: This level consists of various departments supporting the schools, such as:
* Curriculum and Instruction: Develops and implements curriculum, provides professional development for teachers.
* Human Resources: Manages hiring, employee relations, and benefits.
* Finance: Manages the district's budget and finances.
* Special Education: Oversees special education programs and services.
* Technology: Manages technology infrastructure and support for schools.
* Transportation: Manages student transportation.
* Food Services: Oversees the school lunch program.
4. School Level Administration:
* Principals/Headmasters: Responsible for the day-to-day operation of individual schools. They manage school staff, student discipline, and school-level budgets.
* Assistant Principals/Vice Principals: Support the principal in managing the school. They often have specific responsibilities, such as student discipline or curriculum.
* Department Heads/Subject Matter Experts: (In larger schools) Lead specific academic departments (e.g., Math, Science, English).
5. Teachers and Support Staff:
* Classroom Teachers: Deliver instruction to students.
* Librarians, Counselors, Nurses, Paraprofessionals: Provide additional support to students and teachers.
Beyond this basic structure:
* Intermediate School Districts (ISDs): In some states, ISDs provide support services to individual school districts, particularly in areas like special education and technology.
* Charter Schools: These publicly funded but independently operated schools often operate outside the direct control of the traditional school district structure, though they are still subject to some state regulations.
The specific roles and responsibilities within each level can vary depending on the size and complexity of the school district. Larger districts will have more layers of administration and specialized departments. Smaller districts may have a more streamlined structure with fewer administrative layers.