A survey of 80 Nebraska superintendents found that "critical incidents" involving these superintendents and board members can irreparably damage professional relationships and lead to dismissals. Of the 12 categories of incidents, those related to board members' children, relatives, and friends formed the largest category, with role…

For search consultants, the question is not whether school boards would choose university professors to fill vacant superintendencies but whether professors really want to leave academe. The key appears to be balance. For people moving in and out of academe, a university background can be a plus; lack of school management experience is a…

Heightened racial and ethnic-group politics and increasingly rocky board-superintendent relations are making the urban superintendency increasingly untenable. The politics of urban school governance can stymie even the best candidates. To survive, big-city superintendents need a thick hide, sensitivity to diversity, charisma, self-confidence,…

Summarizes in-depth interviews with six past and present Canadian superintendents from metropolitan school districts. Discusses school board expectations of superintendents, ways to build an effective working relationship with the board, the political demands of the superintendent's position, and instructional leadership and other aspects of the…

Examines Jersey City (New Jersey) Superintendent Franklin Williams' efforts to thwart the state's takeover of his school system, which is facing academic and managerial bankruptcy. An inset mentions other state takeovers or interventions in Texas, New Mexico, and Kentucky school districts facing financial and accreditation difficulties. (MLH)

A recent survey shows that the road to an effective superintendency follows a fast track, with stops along the way for doctoral study, a brief classroom tenure, and a stint at a high-level central office job. Effective superintendents were also more involved in professional and community activities. (MLH)

Examines the informal administrative career path leading from the rural school district to "big league" urban and suburban areas. Reviews research emphasizing the importance of the superintendent in effective rural districts. Suggests a subsidized preparation program specifically for rural administrator candidates, involving an intensive…

A study looked at attitudes of 158 Nebraska superintendents, principals, and vocational agriculture instructors (92 percent response) regarding the delivery of adult agricultural education programs within the secondary school system. Instructors were more likely to agree about the benefits of and public support for adult education. (JOW)

For schools to work constructively with disenfranchised religious parents, administrators must listen to parents' concerns, and religious parents must accept the school as a pluralistic forum. Schools should welcome children with religious values, allow appropriate religious expression, provide staff training, educate for pluralism, and involve…

Michael Strembitsky, director of the High Performance Management Program with the National Alliance for Restructuring Education, helps administrators, policymakers, and community leaders work through problems and challenges accompanying decentralization, deregulation, and results-driven reform efforts. He finds that school staff with…

In the Everett (Washington) School District, every practice must contribute to students reaching high standards. Everything is examined through the lens of student learning. The district's ground rules are to keep focused, plan strategically, develop an integrated work plan, create clear decision-making processes, think systemically, be…

Hazards to new superintendents include enemies on the school board, sloppy expense accounting, and romancing school employees. Would-be survivors must be aware of antagonistic board members and the inevitability of making enemies, avoid expense account irregularities, eschew favoritism, admit mistakes, avoid subordinate-confidants, recognize the…

Summarizes the visions of 12 newly appointed superintendents from 4 northeastern states. In composing their visions, single-handedly from the start or collaborative over time, superintendents must cope with complex realities and competing demands. Although expected to emulate visionary corporate leaders, superintendents must envision within a…

Texas school superintendent advises restless colleagues to think twice before deserting schoolhouse for halls of ivy. Education has never been accepted as a bonafide academic discipline, and education professors accept their second-class status. Publishing is considered more important than teaching and community service, and publications read by…

When school districts are awash in crisis, the superintendents are responsible for calming troubled waters. Superintendents should anticipate troublesome issues and communicate with all parties involved. If early efforts prove ineffective, superintendents must keep overall educational goals in mind, communicate frequently with board and press,…