Stronger administrative support for teachers has consistently been shown to increase teacher retention (Holmes et al., 2019). Nationally, researchers have explored the connection between administrative support and teacher retention, however, administrative support is not clearly defined (Billingsley & Bettini, 2019; Podolsky et al., 2019;…

This mixed methods research study explores superintendents' beliefs about and engagement in state education policymaking processes. Through interviews with 58 superintendents and a national survey of superintendents, I find that many superintendents feel that their voices have value in state policymaking spaces; however, superintendents' actual…

This study explores educational technology infusion in the U.S. school district context. We used a complex systems perspective to understand the interactions between the classroom (micro), building (meso), and organization (macro) system levels of a school district, offering insight into "how" and "why" certain permutations of…

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if a difference exists among small and large Texas public school district superintendents regarding which personal characteristics and professional skills are perceived to define effective superintendents. Superintendent personal characteristics and professional skills were assessed using a…

COVID-19 has produced mayhem and uncertainty for educational leaders in charge of organizations. This inquiry sought to provide insight into how superintendents and assistant superintendents made sense of their environments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, sensemaking theory (Weick, 1995) was utilized as the conceptual framework to…

This paper includes data related to the number and size of school districts and superintendent salaries in the state of Oklahoma. It is intended to encourage dialogue among elected state leaders and citizens about the need to consider cost savings that could result in badly needed additional funding being directed to classrooms across the state…

The role of principal supervisor has been shifting from a focus on management to one that emphasizes support for principals. External partners can sometimes help with redesigning the role and other aspects of district organization. However, most research focuses on large urban districts with role conceptions and organizational structures that are…

Those tasked with leading large school districts direct incredibly complex organizations in what are often contentious political and social contexts, with powerful stakeholder groups espousing conflicting policy priorities. Because of their high-profile positions, superintendents often face uniquely persistent and powerful resistance and must…

The safety of students and staff is one of the most important responsibilities of a superintendent. This mixed-method study examined school security and emergency management protocols in Nebraska public schools. This study used qualitative perceptual data to compare the importance school superintendents place on safety and security emergency…

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand how superintendents leading large, high-profile and politically complex urban districts make sense of their district-community context and advocate for issues of equity. Design/methodology/approach: This qualitative multi-case study took place over the 2017-18 school year and involved…

Emotional intelligence is a crucial and key ingredient of great leadership and can be seen as a transformational part of leadership that can bring unparalleled leader, member, and organizational success. While a plethora of research and data exists on emotional intelligence, deficiencies in evidence exist to understand the relevance in school…

This article analyses the disaggregated data from the 2020 American Superintendent Decennial Study. The focus on superintendents of colour provides important insight into the ways individuals holding the highest rank in school districts govern the instructional, facilities, fiscal, personnel, and community relations matters as they comprehensively…

With the changing face of educational leadership, and the changes in programing for preparation programs, the question of the importance of developing specific leadership practices based on the size of districts served by the program arises. By looking at the relationship between leadership practices and the demographics of current leaders in…

Current research on computer technology integration in K-12 school classrooms indicates that student learning outcomes remain flat despite heavy investment. Examining school leadership conceptions about technology integration might reveal a way to reverse this trend. This study adapts a survey instrument from Brush and Bannon and applies it to…

As school districts consider transitioning from a traditional five-day school week to a four-day school week, administrators and school boards seek information about the four-day school week to assist in making the best decision possible. This collective case study was undertaken to examine the perceptions of administrators, school counselors, and…