Describes the Executive Educators' Round Table (EXERT), developed to meet the professional development needs of superintendents in large urban and suburban school systems, and Team 21, Teaming Educational Administrators with Expert Managers for the Twentieth Century, a cooperative program with private sector leaders. (JOW)

Little attention has been given the to need to improve the working conditions of rural small school district superintendents. This paper describes a six-step process to estimate the number of small rural superintendencies, provides a demographic profile of individuals occupying these positions, and explores three dimensions relevant to their…

Results of two surveys of 59 and 47 school board presidents from 26 and 21 different states, respectively, having district enrollments of 300 or smaller, indicated the most valued capabilities considered in hiring rural superintendents were interpersonal relations/communications skills, financial/organizational management skills, and good moral…

Despite the variation in fees, the actual services most superintendent search consultants provide are remarkably similar. Price differences reflect the size of a consultant's network and track record. Recommends matching fee ranges with an appropriate category of consultant and basing selection on a 10-step process of consultant services. (CJH)

Using 1986 survey data from South Dakota public school superintendents and board members, this study explored essential superintendent competencies. Results showed (1) different rankings of most competencies by superintendents and board members and (2) the key importance of personnel management, educational and fiscal leadership, and interpersonal…

Research on administrators' influence on the performance of their organizational units has accumulated evidence on principals' influence, but the influence of superintendents is largely neglected. Results from a sample of California school districts demonstrated that superintendents exerted little influence on academic performance. Constructing…

Describes a successful K-12 alcohol/drug prevention program in Burlington, Washington, involving strong superintendent leadership and a close school-community partnership. The program boasts a mission to develop an alcohol- and drug-free environment, long-range planning, reliance on local data, a strong adult influence, appropriate funding, and…

A carefully prepared agenda is the first step toward a successful school board meeting. Board members should receive the agenda and supporting materials before the agenda becomes public. Guidelines are suggested for ordering agenda items and preparing an evaluation form. (MLF)

A study was conducted to determine the knowledge of superintendents of Ohio comprehensive high schools toward adult vocational agricultural education. A summary of the demographic data revealed that 63 percent of the superintendents administered programs of adult vocational agriculture. Concepts on the survey with which superintendents agreed and…

Even though most decisions are made before they reach the superintendent's desk, and even though these are times of "litigious paranoia," the superintendent is still in charge of the public schools. Some of the responsibilities of the superintendent are outlined. (MLW)

Once the decision has been made to dismiss a school executive, the relationship should be concluded in a private manner with adequate severance pay and outplacement services provided. Preparation for potential dismissal can help executives avoid some employment crises and ease the impact of others. (MLF)

Discusses ideas for educational reform suggested by candidates for the position of Chancellor of the New York City school system in 1983, which were goal-oriented and specific rather than philosophical and political. Describes how the ultimate hiring selection was made. (KH)

Studies the leadership behavior characteristics among occupationally mobile and nonmobile superintendents to find consistent qualities of the mobile group. (JW)

Outlines a 10-point plan for promoting a positive school-community relationship in small school systems. The ten points are: (1) develop public relations policy, (2) do research, (3) correct deficiencies, (4) set goals, (5) promote candor, (6) attend to internal relations, (7) attend to external relations, (8) maintain good media relations, (9)…

Provides newly hired superintendents with factors to consider when negotiating 10 elements of their own contracts: salary, insurance, term of office, relocation expenses, vacation, sick leave, travel expenses, administrative authority, automobile use, and exit expenses. (PGD)