Explains that superintendents need to create a vision and convert it into an action plan. To achieve this end, the visionary leader must communicate the idea and build support. Commitment cannot be rallied without a leader who inspires subordinates' trust. (MLH)

To prepare 21st-century superintendents, we must abandon the present university-based, research-oriented preparation model in favor of a professional studies model that is more intellectually challenging and more practical. This article recommends certain changes in administrator preparation programs and outlines skills needed by tomorrow's…

The superintendent search consultant is employed by the board of education and must always act in the board's best interest. Boards want consultants to be friendly and courteous, provide information, and foster an aura of good feeling with candidates and the board. Candidates should receive accurate information, selection criteria briefings,…

Surveys ethical problems characterizing senior educational executives' moral wrestlings. Describes ethical misdeeds as transgressions against administrators' core ethical values (caring/respect, fairness, professional conduct, resource stewardship, integrity, loyalty, honesty, and stewardship). Delineates ethical quandaries as "grey area" problems…

While exploring educational leadership concepts, a group of superintendents on retreat found "grace" considerably harder to define than "vision" or "legacy." Inspired by a superintendent's courageous response to imminent dismissal and another's handling of clinical depression, the group first conjured up graceless…

Philadelphia's new superintendent will lose $8,000 a year if student achievement does not improve. An Ohio superintendent has promised to resign if student proficiency does not climb by 10% (see Roger Barnes' sidebar). Contract specialists predict that administrators will see increasing efforts to tie salaries to results as budgets tighten,…

A 1989-90 survey received 381 responses from Nebraska agriculture teachers, principals, and superintendents in which they rated agricultural economics, marketing, and computers as important current topics; leadership, personal development, agribusiness management, and natural resources were important future topics. Most had a cautious, low-risk…

Since its 1980 sexual harassment guidelines went into effect, a vocational technical high school in Lexington, Massachusetts, has actively educated its staff and 700 students about sexual harassment. The program involves a discipline policy included in the school's "Handbook for Parents," a first-year seminar, staff inservice training,…

Although over 75 percent of U.S. superintendents have had experience as principals or assistant principals before landing the top job, the principalship is not necessarily a prerequisite. Teaching and leadership experience, effective career planning and marketing, and access to mentors are all important. Sidebars highlight women administrators'…

Too many leaders depend on the organization's formal processes to recognize people who have given outstanding performance or served beyond duty's call. One superintendent honors superlative staff accomplishments (or endurance of tough circumstances) by designing personalized awards for presentation at board meetings or other public functions. (MLH)

A carefully developed employment contract between superintendent and board is essential. This article emphasizes the necessity for holding genuine contract negotiations, defining board roles, establishing deadlines, and retaining counsel for both parties. The contract should provide for evaluating the superintendent, resolving conflicts, and…

To ensure they are evaluated fairly and competently, superintendents must help their school boards plan and implement sound systems of superintendent performance assessment and accountability. The Center for Research on Educational Accountability and Teacher Evaluation (CREATE) applied 21 personnel evaluation standards to existing evaluation…

In a survey of 551 of 711 Ohio school district superintendents, most indicated familiarity with technology education goals. Valued most were problem solving and decision making; application of tools, materials, processes, and concepts; and lifelong learning in a technological society. Student interest, enrollment, and program costs were most…

After spending 9 years as assistant superintendent of a 3,600-student district, the new superintendent of a suburban Chicago district offers some perspectives concerning his first year on the job. Whether lobbying for sufficient funding, making staff cutbacks, or dealing with problem students, the new superintendent remains optimistic and…

This paper wraps up a theme issue on Callahan's vulnerability thesis (as related to school superintendents), which was presented in his 1962 book, Education and the Cult of Efficiency. The paper examines the various authors' points of view and focuses on the concept of inquiry and its importance and power in education. (SM)