Principals claim the authority to hire teachers; however, central office personnel specialists, who are trained to make balanced, legally sound hiring decisions, also have a role to play. In an introduction to three articles on this topic, practices at three organizations outside education that demonstrate a partnership approach are cited. (MLF)

A principal praises a collaborative method of selecting teachers that involves a personnel interview and a background check followed by an interview with the building principal. Several candidates are then interviewed by a team of at least three staff members to ensure that the prospective teacher shares the school's philosophy and vision. (MLF)

In districts committed to site-based management, principals expect to have a great degree of authority in staff selection. A principal maintains that, if district administrators must make the occasional staff selection decision, then the principals should at least be consulted before the final decision is made. (MLF)

Administrators cannot avoid disciplining and dismissing teachers who lack the skill to teach or the judgment to conduct themselves professionally. Central office administrators at a Salt Lake City school district developed "corrective discipline" procedures to help principals incorporate just cause, due process, and progressive…

According to a personnel director, principals should be able to specify the critical knowledge, skills, and attitudes they require of prospective teacher candidates. Personnel officials should be able to identify candidates who meet those criteria. (MLF)

Under restructuring, the roles and responsibilities of upperlevel school executives and middle managers are rapidly shifting. Districts are creating new job titles, and central-office personnel find themselves competing with outside contractors. Superintendents can help by creating a trusting environment, giving staff a sense of mission, showing…

Establishing a good relationship between central office administrators and school personnel requires shared responsibility and flexibility. (MLF)

Presents eight complaints from principals about central administrators. The complaints carry two themes: the central office is too far removed from the realities of school life, and the central office doesn't communicate properly with principals. Offers suggestions to improve the relationship. (Author/IRT)

Presents suggestions for superintendents and central office executives to provide support for principals. Principals can be helped in the following ways: hire the best principals; look within the system for principal candidates; provide training in instructional leadership; inform principals about legal matters; and visit principals often. (CJH)

Based on a Phoenix (Arizona) school district's experience, this article shows central office administrators how to empower individual schools without abdicating control. Administrators should first identify all influential parties, seek successful pioneers in other districts, examine research findings, allow time for change, and delegate someone…

While gifted school executives have always been scarce, changes in demographics, state legislation, and young colleagues' attitudes may fuel a mass exodus from school leadership positions. Education professionals are generally older, shun inner-city assignments, and choose early retirement. Insets further document the dilemma and suggest…

Describes a miniature case study from two perspectives: a curriculum administrator who successfully ran the Ph.D. gauntlet at the University of Dayton while holding down a demanding job; and a professor who provided guidance and support. Time management and residency requirements were challenging for part-time student Campbell. Professor Benz…

Planning meetings requires careful attention to three essential elements: purpose, participants' needs and expectations, and a suitable agenda. Meetings are great for problem solving, professional development, and team building. Serving snacks; choosing a comfy, well-arranged setting; adopting brainstorming rules; and involving teachers as…