District Leadership

The Endorsement in District Leadership (Superintendent) (Graduate Non-Degree) program at Fort Hays State University is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of district-level administration through a series of specialized courses. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in various aspects of educational leadership. Each course focuses on a critical area of district administration, from technology and finance to facilities management and contemporary administrative practices. Below are a few of the courses in the District Leadership (Superintendent) (Graduate Non-Degree) program:

EDL 901: District Technology Operations and Management

This course provides opportunities for prospective district leaders to obtain and develop fundamental knowledge and application of educational leadership skills related to strategic planning and the responsibilities of district-level personnel responsible for technology innovation, integration, online assessments, and technology-rich curriculum.

EDL 951: District Administration

This course provides a deep dive into the three levels of governmental control of PreK-12 schools and how the school board's policies and procedures are adopted from laws passed by the Government.

EDL 954: District Finance

The school superintendent manages instructional, staff, and financial responsibilities. This course provides skills for overseeing fiscal activities in public education, focusing on state and local obligations, revenue sources, and district-level financing.

Discover the full District Leadership (Superintendent) (Graduate Non-Degree) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Graduates of the Endorsement in District Leadership (Superintendent) (graduate non-degree) program can look forward to various rewarding career opportunities in educational administration. These educational leadership roles include:

District Superintendent

Superintendents are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a school district's operations, including a district’s instructional leadership, financial management, and community relations-related tasks.

Assistant Superintendent

Those in the Assistant Superintendent role are responsible for assisting the superintendent in managing district-wide initiatives and policies, often focusing on specific areas such as curriculum or human resources.

Director of Educational Technology

A Director of Educational Technology leads the charge with technology integration in education, promoting digital literacy, and managing technological infrastructure.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Individuals in these roles oversee the development and implementation of curriculum and instructional programs to ensure high-quality education across the district.

Director of Special Education

Directors of Special Education oversee special education programs, ensuring compliance with regulations and supporting the development of individualized education plans (IEPs). The director collaborates with administrators and staff to provide training, manage resources, and promote inclusive practices across the district.

Chief Financial Officer for a School District

A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a school district is responsible for managing the financial operations of the school district across tasks related to budgeting, funding, and financial planning. This role’s primary responsibility is to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability across the district.

To enroll in the Endorsement in District Leadership (Superintendent) (Graduate Non-Degree) program, applicants must meet specific admission criteria demonstrating their academic readiness and professional experience. These requirements ensure that students possess the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for advanced study in educational leadership. Prospective students must provide evidence of their qualifications, including academic achievements, relevant professional experience, and leadership potential. Additional requirements include:

Master's Degree and Principal Endorsement

Applicants must hold a master's degree and an Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree), demonstrating their foundational knowledge in educational leadership.

GPA Requirement

A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in all graduate coursework is required, reflecting the applicant's academic proficiency and readiness for advanced studies.

Leadership Assessment

Application officers at Fort Hays State University must verify the successful completion of a school leadership assessment determined by the state board, ensuring applicants meet the leadership standards required for district-level positions.

Experience or Recent Credits

Verification of at least one year of recent accredited experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit is required for admission into the program, ensuring applicants are current in their professional practice.

Initial Leadership License Application

Submission of an application for an initial school leadership license is required for program candidacy, indicating the applicant’s intention to pursue licensure.

Professional Experience

Verification of five years of experience in a state-accredited school while holding a professional teaching license, a skilled clinical license, or a full vocational-technical certificate is required to ensure applicants have substantial professional experience.