A questionnaire completed by 251 school board members from across Texas revealed wide disagreement over the role of the school superintendent. Respondents identified the sizes of their districts, their educational attainment levels, and their lengths of tenure, then indicated whether responsibility for each of 29 tasks in 4 broad areas should rest with the board, the superintendent, or both. In most cases the superintendent was considered primarily responsible. Superintendents were least often considered responsible in tasks related to taxes, bond issues, establishment of personnel benefits, and selection of architects. The larger the respondent's district, the more responsibility tended to be delegated to superintendents for budgeting and finance, personnel, and school facilities and community relations, while less responsibility tended to be delegated in the areas of curriculum and student discipline. More educated board members tend to delegate greater responsibility in the area of curriculum and student discipline. No relationship was found between board member tenure and attitudes toward the superintendent's role. A survey of the literature provides a context for the study, and an 85-item bibliography lists relevant documents. (PGD)