When Karen Rue was on the verge of accepting her first superintendent appointment 11 years ago, her husband Gary anticipated he might be asked to play the role of "first spouse," serving as informal ambassador for the school district. He was correct. Gary Rue, a retired physical education teacher, has willingly served as his wife's…

Review of research on superintendent turnover finds that median tenure between 1990 and 1994 was 6.5 years; turnover has not increased significantly since 1975; turnover is related to the school-district enrollment size; turnover is not related to a district's location, that is rural, small town, suburban, urban. Concludes that the superintendency…

The further one goes up the career ladder in education, the more one is exposed to open criticism. Every week brings new stories of superintendents under attack. Usually the crisis involves failed proposals or terminated contracts. The average tenure for superintendents nationwide runs less than five years. Sometimes the stories of confrontation…

A "retired" school leader who has held five interim superintendencies explains why his unanticipated second career has been professionally and financially rewarding. Interims should maintain a daily log, greet staff and students, share what they know, set an example, be enthusiastic, support the incoming superintendent, and have fun. (MLH)

Explores three female superintendents' views concerning the effects of societal attitudes, job mobility problems, family responsibilities, and mentoring on their career advancement. Women's administrative careers need not be limited if their nurturing, supportive role is reinforced by risk-taking and assertiveness. Increased mentoring…

Provides advice to a superintendency candidate based on personal experience on what to do and what to look for before accepting the position. (PKP)

Whether from frustration, ambition, or financial necessity, administrators are inclined to say "yes" when private companies come calling. Sometimes superintendents initiate contacts themselves and begin new careers as well-credentialed salespeople or behind-the-scenes think tanks. At the Edison Project, former superintendents work in…

Superintendent describes the factors that define the fit between a candidate and a particular superintendency. Concludes that the most important factor is chemistry. Advises candidates to rely on intelligence, information, and instinct when deciding whether a new superintendency is a good fit. (PKP)

Interim superintendencies, signaling an interruption in administrative continuity, are growing in duration and number. The right interim superintendent at the right time can bring respite, focus, or unity to a troubled or divided district. Today's mobile, activist interims often make critical decisions affecting their districts' long-term future.…

In this article, the author discusses the importance of continuing to engage with students even when in an administration position. He states that a good superintendent has to be the personification of the resilient, reflective lifelong learner he or she wants the graduates to be. Sections in the article include: (1) Compelling Need; (2)…

Offers several recommendations to board of education on involving the incumbent superintendent in the search for a new superintendent. (PKP)

Describes positive and negative qualities in candidates that boards of education identified when searching for a new superintendent. Based on Illinois study of 180 superintendent vacancies during recent 3-year period. (PKP)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of being either an inside or outside candidate for a superintendency. (PKP)

A recent doctoral research study suggests that a husband's support may have a powerful effect on females entering and succeeding at the superintendency. All married respondents (14 out of 21) entered the job with strong spousal support and said this support was necessary for undertaking the role. A majority said the price was high and they would…

Provides advice to superintendents considering a position with another school district; includes suggestions from search consultants and other superintendents. (PKP)