What are the responsibilities of a high school dean?

I'm curious about administrative roles in high schools and what a dean does specifically. Can anyone provide an overview of what a high school dean's job involves?

The role of a high school dean can vary from school to school, but generally, it encapsulates a mix of administrative and disciplinary responsibilities, along with academic oversight and student support. Here are some of the usual duties a high school dean carries out:

1. Disciplinary Functions: Deans are often responsible for managing and enforcing the school's behavioral policies. They could be involved in handling behavioral issues, implementing discipline when students break rules, and mediating disputes among students or even between students and teachers.

2. Academic Guidance: Deans typically collaborate with teachers and counselors to monitor and support students' academic progress. They can also help set curriculum standards and goals, assess testing data, and develop strategies to improve educational attainment.

3. Administrative Responsibilities: A dean's administrative functions might include assisting in the management of the school's budgets, overseeing staff hiring and in-service training, or coordinating schedules and school-wide programs.

4. Student Support: Deans often serve as advocates for students. This can entail helping students navigate difficult personal situations, providing conflict resolution, or guiding students who need additional academic support or special accommodations.

5. Parent Involvement: A high school dean often serves as a liaison between the school and parents. They might meet with parents to discuss their child's academic progress, behavior, or any concerns they might have.

While this can give you a broad outline of the job, the specifics of a dean's work can vary widely depending on the size, location, and specific needs of the school or district.