The Development of Job Descriptions for Ballard Community School District

Abstract

The problem. The purpose of this project was to develop written job descriptions for the employees of the Ballard Community School District. Procedure. The school board initiated the plan by mandating that job descriptions be developed for all employees. A program coordinator was appointed and a format was followed that was developed after reviewing related literature. Supervisors were involved in developing guidelines to follow in preparing the entire staff for the actual writing of job descriptions. Procedures were established to develop the job descriptions. The completed job descriptions were organized into a District Manual and presented to the school board for their approval. Conclusions. Involvement of the employee is essential in the development of accurate job descriptions. The process created a greater awareness in both the employee and employer as to what is expected from a position. Communication greatly influences a program of this type. Employees need to be informed of the uses of job descriptions. Job descriptions do not need to be elaborate or complicated in order to achieve their purpose. The finished job description can be helpful in recruiting and hiring new staff members. Recommendations. Every school system should establish a job description program. Specific methods of updating should be developed. Studies should be undertaken to determine the extent to which the establishment of job descriptions affect performance. Other school districts could utilize the procedures followed in this study, but not the specific job descriptions.