A school superintendent lists what he does in an average day. (IRT)

Two teachers describe how they share one job. (IRT)

Presents the unspoken expectations for superintendents to consider to function more effectively. They fall into two areas: first, the managing of political structures, and second, the fact that superintendents become "public property." (MD)

Monthly highlights of an assistant principal's first year indicate how difficult the job can be. The count at the end of the semester includes 60 parent conferences for disciplinary reasons, 150 suspensions, 7 class removals, and 7 sexual harassment cases. Eight years of too many problems to handle and too much ground to cover preceded retirement…

Follows a principal through his 15-hour day and observes current practices in principal evaluation and pay. (IRT)

A step-by-step orientation plan developed by the Clark County (Nevada) school board to ease the transition of newly elected members. (MLF)

Increasingly, school boards are using consultants to help them hire the right superintendents for their school systems. Proposes extending the consultants' contracts to coaching both board and superintendents on developing an effective working relationship. (MLF)

Responses from over 500 practicing superintendents in New York State reveal that the majority (1) have a strong desire to be leaders; (2) heard about the opening through an advertisement; (3) view consultants in the selection process appropriate only as technical experts; and (4) urge school board members to become more involved in the…

Offers school board members 10 tried-and-true signs that can help them know when to retire. (MLF)

After 34 years in public school governance and administration, Thomas Shannon will retire formally as the executive director of the National School Boards Association. Shannon sets forth 13 ways superintendents can enhance critically important relationships with their school boards. (MLF)

A permanent inhouse auditor at the Tacoma (Washington) school district provides assurance to the administration that complex systems and procedures are effective and that financial reports are accessible. Lists criteria for defining the auditor's role and methods for evaluating the auditor. (MLF)

A salary-administration plan involves job descriptions, job evaluation, salary surveys, salary structures, and communication. A carefully constructed and administered salary plan will guarantee external equity (jobs will be paid at a competitive rate) and internal equity (similar jobs will be assigned the same grade and salary range). (MLF)

Site visits for prospective principals raise serious problems. Members of school-based selection panel receive minimal training and can disrupt atmosphere of candidate's school. Confidentiality in job search wanes. A better way to hire building administrators is to employ consultants to help with search. After settling on one or more candidates,…

Nearly 30 percent of schools lack technology specialists or coordinators. The market is very competitive. Hiring a qualified technology specialist involves four major steps: developing a job description, setting a salary schedule, conducting interviews, and selecting a candidate. Obtaining the "best fit" for a district is important. (MLH)

An anonymous school board member offers tongue-in-cheek advice to prospective school board members--starting out with the fact that, no matter how impressive board members' resumes are, their backgrounds will not fully prepare them to serve on school boards. (MLF)