Teachers are evaluated by principals, and principals are evaluated by superintendents. Certainly a superintendent, the district's CEO, should receive regular and formal feedback and guidance. Board members can provide such feedback and guidance only if they proceed carefully and with their superintendent's cooperation.
Many school districts evaluate their superintendents for legal reasons.
Some state laws require it, or it may be part of the superintendent's contract. In any event, formal assessment provides a basis for evaluating weak areas and rewarding satisfactory job performance. An evaluation offers protection from lawsuits and criticism from both terminated superintendents and constituents angered over the superintendent's performance and salary. However, at its best, evaluation is a communication process. Evaluation has more subtle and far-reaching advantages, however.