As chair of the New York State Council of School Superintendents' Wellness Committee for the past six years, the author is often asked how to begin a program of wellness and stay with it. Based on personal experience, he provides tips about cardiovascular fitness activities, regimens, information sources, and motivational aids. (MLH)

Using a 4-stage stress model, this study examined the relationship between stage 1 (stressors or demands) and stage 3 (stress response or coping) and between stage 3 and stage 4 (consequences of burnout) for 161 school superintendents and 495 principals. Results support the transactional view of stress and the conceptualization of the stress…

In a survey of a southeastern state's 91 school districts, 83% of superintendents and 77% of school board chairs responded. There was no significant difference in their opinions of the management of local incentive programs. Both agreed that merit pay should be used, but neither thought it enhanced quality of education. In ranking criteria for…

Superintendents today have less or shorter lasting authority than their predecessors for reasons that include the influence of special interest groups and the public's desire for flash instead of substance in personal character. Advises superintendents to make their character the center of their leadership, build a sense of community, and help…

Discusses issues regarding the superintendent, the school board, and free speech as raised in the case of Kinsey v. Salado Independent School District. Discuss the three different judgments in this case as it went through appeals, and their differing views of this relationship. (SR)

The new superintendent of Montgomery Township (New Jersey) Schools was confronted with multiple crises ranging from labor disputes and a defeated budget to poor staff and community relations. A nurturing, problem-solving ambience was needed. This article discusses theoretical bases for participant involvement in decision making and the methodology…

Key community members should always be included in any strategic planning process involving public education. After finding 18 to 24 representatives, the administrator should direct the group to discuss need for educational change, explore what changes might increase school effectiveness, adopt a mission derived from shared educational beliefs and…

An assistant superintendent describes his experience teaching Jay, an intelligent, learning-disabled 47-year-old forestry technician to read and write beyond the third grade level. Like young readers, adults must convince themselves they are capable of progress before any can be made. Jay now reads at sixth grade level and is still progressing.…

On the basis of experiences gleaned from applying for seven superintendent positions, a superintendent offers suggestions that might help school boards in their recruitment efforts. (MLF)

Examines New Jersey school boards and investigates what factors affect whether boards operate according to a professional or political model and whether professional and political boards differ in their governance role. The majority of school boards adopt the professional orientation. However, board influence depends primarily on board acceptance…

Whether speaking of health clinics, budget shortfalls, or discipline issues, Wicomico County (Maryland) School Superintendent Evelyn Holman invariably encases discussions in her own set of priorities. Building student self-esteem through mental health clinics is laudable, but preparing students for college and future employment is foremost.…

It is difficult to assemble the necessary conditions for school-based management when staff are struggling with basic civility. A New Jersey superintendent proceeded slowly while recognizing that things could go wrong and providing staff with needed conflict-resolution tools. School and district councils helped diffuse acrimony and motivate staff…

Superintendents face a no-win proposition when confronting attempted school board takeovers by religious-fundamentalist candidates. Public political disagreement may be a legitimate ground for a superintendent's dismissal. The safest course is to work quietly behind the scenes and encourage others to question candidates' qualifications and…

There are three critical attributes of genuine outcome-based learning systems: coherence, congruence, and commitment to student success. Preliminary results from three pioneering school districts show improved student performance on standardized and criterion-referenced tests. Educators will be challenged to develop a shared vision of the…

Award-winning Colorado Springs Superintendent Trevor Burnley has dedicated his energies to the "kid business"; he recently adopted his two young grandchildren and works diligently to keep schoolchildren away from the eight-ball. Faced with a slashed budget, he had to cut staff and freeze salaries, earning teachers' resentment. He…