The place to start a writing reform program is at the top. Superintendents need to learn how to write in straightforward English, using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. (Author/IRT)

School superintendents and assistant superintendents discuss the stress of their jobs and the ways in which they cope with that stress. (IRT)

Participants in Educorps, a network of retired superintendents, travel throughout New York State to dispense hard-won advice to fellow school executives. During Educorps's first 20 months, 200 consultants have helped 60 school systems tackle financial planning, curriculum development, and public-relations issues. Services are free, minus…

The superintendent of Pasadena schools was fired and then rehired. This profile outlines how, although some criticize his management style, he is still cited for his leadership, dedication, and love of education. (MD)

Argues for the need for leaders, rather than for managers, in education. (IRT)

After 25 years as a superintendent, the author decided to teach a high school ethics course on a 6-month sabbatical leave. Teaching three classes invigorated his thinking and reminded him how demanding teaching is. The district did not suffer, as a bond issue passed by a large majority and the administrative cabinet assumed more responsibility and…

A May 1994 arson fire could have ruined the school year for Minnesota's District 191 high schoolers. Decision to run split shifts at a nearby elementary school was the key to fast recovery. Thanks to quick decision making, generous community support, and the determination and hard work of teachers and administrators, the students missed only five…

Superintendent Philip Geiger recently risked unpopularity in one suburban New Jersey district by privatizing the bus service and using savings for a truckload of classroom computers. Armed with an MBA and a passion for zero-based budgeting, Geiger has also braved union displeasure by advocating faculty workload increases in students' interest. An…

Counsels new superintendents to assess staff strengths and deficiencies before devising a plan that uses everyone's talents (even those of "turkey" principals) to fullest advantage. Strong communication and supervisory skills and firm administrative policies are essential to target weak performers and determine when transfers or dismissals might…

Before meeting with top-level administrative staff, a newly appointed superintendent should devise some working principles, such as disclosing management style, reviewing staff job responsibilities, meeting privately with each team member, listing school system problems and priorities for handling them, holding regular staff metings, delegating…

A western Maryland district that lost three weeks last year resulting from inclement weather avoided lengthening the school year by adding an extra period to the school day in March And April, canceling inservice days, and eliminating two school holidays. Ending classes at mid-June avoided overheated classrooms and interference with teacher…

To take fear out of public speaking, superintendents and other school executives are advised to have something interesting to say, set aside time to practice, use eye contact to advantage, pay attention to body language, be wary of using humor or gimmicks, lean toward relatively short presentations, keep abreast of current events, realize people…

Based on a 40-year-old superintendent's experience in an Ohio school district, this article examines 5 prevalent myths regarding job demands and priorities, teacher morale, new program implementation, and the need to study the whole picture. Successful superintendents build on previous experience by remaining accessible, being good listeners, and…

Advises superintendents to increase school visibility by writing a weekly newspaper column that communicates important school information, discusses school issues, recognizes educators' outstanding accomplishments, corrects false impressions or misinformation, and presents the human side of schooling. Several tips are provided for planning,…

To ease the pain of closing two delapidated high schools, the East Chicago (Indiana) City Schools threw a gala alumni farewell party. To organize a similar event, superintendents should galvanize staff, win the school board's support, publicize the event, involve the community, use incentives to boost attendance, encourage creativity, and keep a…