An analysis of the development of selected areas of the legal status of Virginia division superintendents 1869-1970

The purpose of this study was to investigate the development of legal authority of Virginia division superintendents based upon State Constitutions and statutes between the years of 1869 and 1970. Four specific areas chosen to be investigated because of their importance were, respectively, certified personnel, finance, buildings, and policy formulation and execution.;Because of recent increases in public school expectations and seemingly parallel increases in the importance and complexity of the office of division superintendent, it was speculated that there would be a corresponding increase in the superintendent\u27s legal authority. The hypotheses stated that between 1869 and 1970 there would be an increase in the Virginia division superintendent\u27s legal authority in the areas of certificated personnel, finance, buildings, and policy formulation and execution. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that increases would be as a result of mandatory Acts of the Virginia Assembly.;Appropriate State Constitutions, Acts of the Virginia General Assembly, and Codes of Virginia were cross referenced, examined, and analyzed to determine fluctuations of the legal authority of division superintendents.;This study found that there has been no overall increase in the legal authority of Virginia division superintendents in the respective areas of certificated personnel, finance, buildings, and policy formulation and execution between 1869 and 1970. This suggests that recent growth in the division superintendent\u27s legal authority must have come from other sources.;Further study of a similar nature is suggested in other areas such as curriculum and pupil personnel. Other states also need to be examined to determine national perspective. Finally, this study might by replicated from 1970 to the present to help determine the current status and direction