In 1861 the Wisconsin Legislature established the office of county superintendent of schools. The position originated with two-year terms of office but was extended to four-year terms with an amendment to the State Constitution made in 1929. Throughout the history of the position, county superintendents have been elected at general elections. Since 1895 county superintendents have been required to have teaching experience in Wisconsin public schools and to possess a teaching certificate. Since 1929 the position has also required that the county superintendent be a resident of the county for which he/she serves.
County superintendents typically have jurisdiction over all public schools located in the county. Responsibilities have altered slightly throughout Wisconsin legislative history but generally include visiting and examining schools to assure the proper education, health, and welfare of pupils; reporting needed repairs and improvements to the County School Board and to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction; overseeing curriculum, instruction methods, and physical condition of school buildings, property, and equipment; issuing certificates for pupils completing a course of study; examining and licensing teachers; maintaining lists of authorized textbooks and school library purchases; and providing general supervision and guidance for schools within the county. The position requires routine contact with individual schools and school officials, County Board members, and the State Superintendent. Such contact is maintained through several types of incoming and outgoing reports and regular participation in meetings and conventions.
