The selection of a superintendent is the most important decision a school board will make. With that premise established, this brief study examines the superintendent search process and the state of the superintendent applicant pool. Data were gathered from 30 practicing search consultants who responded to a mailed questionnaire. The key findings…

This study reflects the view of three key state education groups concerning the perceived superintendent applicant crisis. One group consists of 37 elected and appointed chief state school officers, a second of 42 executive directors of the American Association of School Administrators' (AASA) state affiliates, and a third of 31 executive…

A recent national study suggests that 80 percent of current superintendents are at or near retirement. To compound the problem of a shrinking pool of candidates, highly qualified potential applicants often simply do not want the job. This report focuses on the aspects of the positions that serve as disincentives to seemingly qualified candidates.…

This paper examines how motivations for school-board membership influence individual board member's agendas. It suggests the implications of individual agendas for board dynamics and superintendents when both must be accountable to state and federal mandates and their own district's desire to collaborate to improve academic achievement for all…

This book attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the major leadership issues facing urban schools. It also provides practical recommendations for improvement to address the challenges of urban school reform. The chapters are: (1) "Circular Hopelessness, Poverty, and Urban Schools"; (2) "Academic Achievement and Parental Involvement in…

Pursuing and obtaining a superintendency is more complicated than any other educational employment process. School board members are intensely involved. Outside search consultants serve as power brokers. Long-standing biases are often built into the process. This book demonstrates how to navigate this challenging terrain by providing an…

The educational literature dealing with school administration reveals much criticism of the office of the county superintendency and its personnel in many States. The allegations contained in the criticism are important. They are concerned with conditions and factors regarded as essential to the proper administration and supervision of education…

The survey of the school system of Alexandria, Virginia, was made in May, 1923, by the United States Commissioner of Education upon the invitation of the Board of Education of Alexandria and of the State superintendent of public instruction of Virginia. Members of the survey staff during the three weeks of field work visited the schools, made…

Part 1 of the education directories for 1940, 1941, and 1942 covers federal and state education agencies. U.S. Federal Security Agency Office of Education officials, principal state school officers, and county and other local superintendents are listed. Part 2 lists principal city school officers and Catholic parochial school superintendents. Part…

School board members will no longer silently accept responsibility for the mistakes of professional educators. Boards, and the public they speak for, are demanding an educational product that can be evaluated and audited for its financial as well as its educational worth. Strong board leadership, a new image of governance, and a relationship of…

The Shorewood (Wisconsin) public schools chose a new superintendent by establishing a search committee, hiring a consultant, surveying the community to identify desired qualities, developing an "ideal superintendent" profile for screening applications, arranging a 24-hour visit and interview process, and making their selection. (RW)

Squeezed by federal and city belt-tightening, Superintendent Franklin Smith is looking for new ways to fund the District of Columbia schools. These include contracting out food services, reduction in force, and closing old schools with maintenance problems. (MLF)

Story of Empire School District (Oklahoma) school board's decision to cut the budget in the mid-1980s, including the elimination of the popular music and band program and termination of its director, a decision that caused considerable community conflict resulting in the defeat of all the incumbent board members at the polls and the resignation of…

This fall, about 700 charter schools will be operating in 26 states. Superintendents acknowledge that their own role often depends on a specific state's legislation. Some districts, like two Colorado systems, offer intensive support to charters. Some superintendents find working with charters to be risky and contentious, as staff struggle to…

Examines arguments for and against pay-for-performance contracts. Focuses on a situation in which the Houston superintendent accepted a $25,000 performance bonus for increasing districtwide performance. Presents findings of a nationwide survey of superintendents and school board members. (LMI)