What does a superintendent do? Metro's interim director explains

With the Metro Nashville school board searching for a new superintendent, it begs the question: Why is the head of the district such an important job?

Especially with the new school year beginning in the Nashville area, what role does the director have in kicking off the new year?

The answer: A big one.

Metro Schools interim Director Chris Henson explains that the buck stops with the director in important decisions, but the director also sets the tone for the entire district at the start of the new year. Henson is in his second stint as interim director.

In the past week, he has been on a tour of Metro schools, telling teachers and principals that even without a permanent director, Nashville will blaze forward in educational outcomes — because the director is the general who leads the district in its march.

How important is your role in the start of school?

"Particularly in relation with setting the tone with the new school year, I've been out in schools talking with teachers, making sure they understand regardless of the distractions taking place in the city or community, our main focus is on students. If we keep the focus on students, we will be just fine. (About) 86,000 students will show up for school and we need to be ready. We need to keep our heads down, have a smooth start to school and hit the ground running."

How does what you do as director affect those on the ground level?

"In all operational aspects, the responsibility lies with the superintendent. The superintendent is making sure schools have a list that includes having excellent principals to lead, making sure that buildings are clean and that schools are welcoming and inviting to students and parents."

What do you want parents to know about you as interim?

"We have the same leadership team in place, except that Dr. (Jesse) Register is retired. Everyone in place is preparing for the new school year. And I have served in this role before, in 2008. I know what to do and know the different responsibilities in the district."

What are you looking to focus on as interim or change?

"What the school district needs is stability. The changes that are needed or necessary, I can make those and I will. But the district needs stability, and my main focus right now is the start of school. We want everyone prepared when students arrive. I want everyone to realize there is a sense of urgency in making improvements for students — in the first day or first week, there is no time to waste. We will continue the forward progress and momentum, and we will continue to implement the strategic initiatives we have."

What is the tone moving forward into the new year?

"The sky is not falling, and there is a great level of stability. And we are not going to be standing still. We will continue to press on the gas pedal and continue the forward progress that we made last year.

"There is a sense of urgency to continue to improve and build upon our momentum."

Who is your director of schools?

Metro Nashville Public Schools

(Interim) Chris Henson

Williamson County Schools

Mike Looney

Cheatham County Schools

Stan Curtis

Dickson County Schools

Danny Weeks

Robertson County Schools

Mike Davis

Rutherford County Schools

Don Odom

Sumner County Schools

Del Phillips III

Wilson County Schools

Donna Wright

Reach Jason Gonzales at 615-259-8047 and on Twitter @ByJasonGonzales.