This is the latest report in the State of the Superintendent series, an annual report intended to provide a reliable, recurring snapshot of the U.S. public school superintendency. Since the American School District Panel began in fall 2020, researchers have periodically surveyed superintendents about their job, focusing on job-related stressors,…

As our education systems continue to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic we urge the next administration to prioritize investing wisely in the future of our nation through federal programs and policies that support the nation's 50 million K-12 public school students. A comprehensive and significant investment in the education of our public school…

Duval County Public Schools finds itself at a crossroads with the impending departure of Superintendent Nikolai Vitti. Following significant improvements to public education since 2012, where does Duval go from here? How will the Duval County School Board go about appointing a successor? What are some of the key factors that make for a successful…

This project focuses on the policies and practices of school boards (or mayors or others who govern public schools), and how their priorities can make a tangible difference in the academic success of kids living in poor communities. Instead of focusing on deficits of poverty, the researchers wanted to stress school board action as an effective…

This report serves as a quick reference guide for elected officials to compare key education policies and data in their states to the rest of the nation. The first section highlights major state policies for all 50 states in both table and chart formats (see Summary Charts ). The second section provides key state data, such as per-student spending…

Many business groups favor selecting a school superintendent out of what they consider an enlightened corporate environment. However, a search consultant advises appointing a proven leader who possesses the intelligence, sensitivity, courage, and commitment to forge a vision for success and lead along the path to achieving that visions. (MLF)

School boards are responsible for assessing candidates for the superintendency and should approach this task the same way a business does. For all candidates: interview several times, examine their history, check their credentials, and arrange for a psychological assessment. (MLF)

Telephone interviews with 43 of the 50 state school board associations revealed that 10 states have mandatory training and 32 had voluntary training. The most frequently cited training activities were school board associations' annual conventions cited by 31 states. Suggests possible avenues of development in school board training. (MLF)

In an employment setting, psychological assessment focuses on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and characteristics that would lead to success in a specific assignment. Offers suggestions for selecting a psychologist and estimates costs. (MLF)

Longitudinal data about individual students and groups of students can be used to track their progress in ways that hold district-level administrators, school principals, and teachers responsible for what's happening in schools. The key is to examine data that show how well individual students perform in specific classrooms in specific schools.…

Procedures for conducting an effective school board meeting at the Sidney Central School District, New York, include a monthly packet of information for board members, an unlisted telephone line to the superintendent's desk, and an agenda that lists future business for upcoming meetings. These procedures enable issues to be understood, discussed,…

A Florida county, under a federal court order to desegregate its schools, adopted a plan of controlled school choice approved by the federal court. The county was divided into three zones that roughly reflected the school system's racial composition. A computerized lottery, with provisions for keeping siblings together and attractive programs for…

School board presidents today operate in an era of consensual leadership and must play many roles. A former school board chairman developed a three-part conceptual framework. Thirteen practices are listed for board presidents. A sidebar summarizes findings from a study of 45 superintendents about the role of the school board chairman. (MLF)

Many corporations, foundations, and individual donors are committed to supporting public education. Solicitation of grants and gifts from individuals is practically nonexistent in the public schools. Few board members or school administrators know whom to ask for them. Offers some fund-raising tactics and sources for funding opportunities. (MLF)

A California school board approved a transition scheme that involved a five-month overlap period during which the soon-to-retire superintendent was joined by a deputy superintendent. The deputy superintendent's primary responsibility was to get acquainted with the district. Separate impressions from each person are offered to help other school…