The phrase "to appoint the superintendent" means to choose and assign someone to be in charge of a particular organization or project, specifically as the head or leader of that entity. Full definition
Her proposals would end school board salaries, impose term limits, require appointed superintendents, and promote funding for private schools, and strip charter school authorization authority from local school boards. (lwveducation.com)
Its state - appointed superintendent unveiled a broad reform plan that local business leaders stand behind. (edweek.org)
For years, state - appointed superintendents came and went. (educationnext.org)