To make conflict resolution easier, this article advises board members to determine nature of the conflict and choose an appropriate course of action. Situation might call for quick, decisive action; establishing a discussion date; reaching a temporary consensus; or working with involved parties to reach a positive resolution. Sidebar offers tips…

Describes the Diagnostic Executive Competency Analysis System (DECAS) developed by researchers at the University of Texas (Austin). Applies assessment center methods conventionally used for selection and screening purposes to formative needs-based professional development activities. Presents DECAS within the framework of the U.S. Multi-Site…

Reports on popular election results concerning the relationship between the variables of county board member defeat or reelection and county school superintendent reappointment or dismissal in North Carolina. Results show stability in both superintendent reappointment and incumbent board member reelection and do not support prior dissatisfaction…

Using two case studies, this article amends Gouldner's findings about the effects of executive succession on bureaucracy in three ways. First, introducing an outside chief executive can lead to increased professionalism instead of increased bureaucracy. Also, superintendents cannot unilaterally determine the outcomes of change. Formal structural…

Asked to identify one book that profoundly influenced their thinking, eight well-read superintendents recommended titles stressing learning and leadership themes. The list includes James Comer's "Waiting for a Miracle," Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed," John Dewey's "Experience and Education," Antoine de…

Ella Flagg Young was the first woman superintendent of a large-city school system (Chicago, 1909-15) and the first woman president of the National Education Association (1910). A colleague of Dewey, Young pioneered democratic administrative practices in a scientific management era and organized school councils to give teachers a greater voice in…

Two former superintendents reveal what questions to expect when facing a school board in the course of a job search. Questions on board interference, instructional role, and budget development are a good bet. Candidates should shake hands firmly, dress conservatively, be forthright, and watch their demeanor. (MLH)

An understanding of ethos, or school culture, is essential for appreciating the policy implementation process in schools. Drawing on qualitative data collected in three Northern Ireland elementary schools, this article shows how ethos can act as a bridge or a barrier to constructing collaborative relationships between superintendents and…

Tests effectiveness of the Perceived Quality Assessment Instrument and examines whether compensation incentives for 360 Iowa school superintendents influence a school system's perceived level of quality. The instrument was valid. Performance pay incentives were not vindicated by this study. (Contains 34 references.) (MLH)

In a Texas study, six successful women superintendents identified vision, passion and commitment, promotion of leadership in others, integrity, knowledge, and stamina as important leadership qualities. Family support, varied work experiences, mentors, formal education, turning points, and failure played important roles in their leadership…

A Connecticut superintendent convinced his staff to try 360-degree feedback by using it first on himself. Having the collective opinion of several stakeholders made appraisal conference more meaningful. Additionally, 360-degree feedback identified and measured standards, stimulated collegiality and trust among administrators and teachers,…

Although downshifting from the superintendency to a principalship is an unusual career move, "Executive Educator" easily located five "born-again" principals to interview. Principals felt their job's shirt-sleeve intensity and chances to work with children compensated for lower pay and status. Four enjoyed shorter work hours. A…

Describes the Missouri Sunshine Law; discusses a Missouri appellate court decision indicating that the sunshine law may prohibit the electronic exchange (voice or email) of information concerning public matters among a quorum of school board members. (PKP)

School boards are responsible for assessing candidates for the superintendency and should approach this task the same way a business does. For all candidates: interview several times, examine their history, check their credentials, and arrange for a psychological assessment. (MLF)

A survey of 704 public school superintendents in Ohio yielded responses from 384. Of those, 255 lived in their school districts, and 66 percent reported having children in the schools where they worked. The advantage to living in the district, according to the superintendents, is accessibility to the community. On the down side, superintendents…