Following the COVID-19 pandemic, K-12 public school district superintendent turnover rates reached concerning levels in Oregon. This study explored relationships between superintendent longevity and superintendents' experiences with the school board, experiences in the school district, experiences related to their own health and safety, and…

This study sought to determine whether there was a statistically significant correlation between school board behaviors and characteristics, and a superintendent's use of a transformational leadership model. The study was grounded in four research questions: Is there a statistically significant correlation between board behaviors and…

In today's global economy, a high-quality, comprehensive education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity--it is a prerequisite for success. Such an education must promote academic knowledge and skills, as well as the kind of individual and social competencies that are essential for navigating the relationships and challenges of the modern…

In March, the Texas board of education gave preliminary approval to new social studies standards that, according to the New York Times, "will put a conservative stamp on history and economics textbooks, stressing the superiority of American capitalism, questioning the Founding Fathers' commitment to a purely secular government, and presenting…

The materials contained in this school board calendar are intended to help local boards take the appropriate actions required by the state of Oregon at the appropriate times. Many of these board actions involve budget preparation and approval, collective bargaining, and personnel procedures. The calendar suggests activities based on the timeline…

Over 100 former board of education members from Oregon completed a questionnaire originally prepared by the "American School Board Journal" for the purpose of investigating why school board members leave their positions. This document presents the full results of the Oregon survey and also provides a summary of the findings and an…

A survey of a random sample of 165 Oregon school board members examined the degree to which they agreed with four standards for appropriate school board behavior. The standards were drawn from the literature intended to educate school board members about their proper roles. The respondents agreed strongly with three of the standards: that the…

This document is a brief discussion, in outline form, regarding the legal representation of the school board and the superintendent. Specifically, the school lawyer ordinarily represents the board rather than an individual employee such as the district superintendent. Exceptions to this rule, conflicts of interest, and disclosure matters are…

School district administrator openings are occurring across Texas and many other states at an increasing rate. The high rate of turnover in the superintendency has become a national problem. Texas was chosen for the study due to the total number of school districts in the state and the high percent of rural districts. The other selected states,…

The author makes two initial assertions regarding the use and presentation of closed meetings. First, the real problem is not how to present them to the public but how to present them to the media. Second, closed sessions should never be used unless absolutely necessary. After presenting the reasons for the "sunshine" laws, the author…

Could a North Dakota farm boy with a smallish frame, bookish appearance, understated speaking voice and aw-shucks humility possibly be a good fit to lead a powerhouse, cosmopolitan private school for American students living abroad, whose governing board consists mainly of high-flying corporate executives and well-heeled attorneys? The answer…

This study is intended to stimulate rapid adoption of long-range planning in Oregon education. A principal study goal has been to review present planning activities in the state and determine future planning needs. Emphasis has been placed on long-range planning as a specific process that should and can be incorporated within the organizational…

A THIRD OF ALL AMERICAN TEACHING EMPLOYEES IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION ARE COVERED BY SOME FORM OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, A SITUATION IN MANY RESPECTS PARALLEL TO THAT FOUND AMONG WORKERS IN THE PRIVATE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR. TEACHER CONTRACTS ARE DISTINGUISHED BY LESS RELIANCE ON SENIORITY, FEWER EMPLOYER PENALTIES, AND FEWER FRINGE BENEFITS, PRIMARILY…

With patience and savvy, superintendents can recover from the sting of dismissal. Incumbents should be alert to warning signs, such as decreasing board-superintendent communications and board rejection of superintendent recommendations. Sidebars offer tips on fighting back with good cause, obtaining legal support, and surviving the endgame. (MLH)

The director of curriculum support services at Oregon's Wasco Education Service District discusses methods that superintendents, board members, and school leaders can use to control conflicts in their school organizations. Surveyed were 239 Oregon school board members and 135 superintendents who were asked to identify which of the following…