School Board Presidents' Perceptions of the Changing Role of the Superintendent

School Board Presidents' Perceptions of the Changing Role of the Superintendent
Author: Ella H. Musser
Publisher:
Total Pages: 137
Release: 2013
Genre: School board presidents
ISBN:
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This study was developed to investigate school board presidents' perspectives of the changing role of the superintendent. Thirty-one presidents of public schools located in 8 southeastern Pennsylvania counties participated in an online survey consisting of multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open-ended questions. The questions collected data on board presidents' perspectives about the role of the superintendent and how it is changing, perspectives about leadership skills necessary for effective district leadership and how the importance of various skills might be changing, and perspectives regarding changes in communication patterns between the board and the superintendent. Nine board presidents also participated in a follow-up interview consisting of 8 related questions. Results indicate that participating board presidents perceive the role of the superintendent to be increasing in complexity, especially in the areas of school finance, communication with stakeholders, and academic achievement. Furthermore, results suggest that participating board presidents consider effective communication and financial management as increasingly important skills for successful district leadership. Finally, results indicate that in the represented districts, communication between the superintendent and the board has become more frequent and detailed, and that the communication is often presented in electronic formats. These findings offer direction for prospective superintendents as they seek to develop effective leadership skills, for board presidents as they support the work of the superintendents, and for current superintendents as they seek ways to grow and develop their professional skills.

School Board Expectations of Superintendent Job Performance

School Board Expectations of Superintendent Job Performance
Author: Anthony Bundy
Publisher: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing
Total Pages: 212
Release: 2014-05
Genre:
ISBN: 9783659533334
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The purpose of this study was the examination of board president superintendent relations in the State of New Jersey. The focus of the research was to determine if significant differences existed between board president's expectations of their superintendents job performance at the time of candidacy and their perceptions of their job performance at the time of contract renewal. More specifically, the study focused on identifying key factors which positively or negatively influenced the relationship between board president's expectations at candidacy and their perceptions at contract renewal. Through the research conducted on these factors, the study sought to identify and develop decision making processes to improve the success rate of superintendent contract renewal. The population sample drew from school board presidents of those boards of education whose school districts completed(between 1999-2001)decisions on the contract renewal of their superintendents. The population also drew from board presidents of boards of education whose districts have experienced a superintendent change before the end of the three year cycle.

The Role of the Superintendent as Perceived by School Administrators and School Board Presidents in Texas Public Schools in Region 20 ESC

The Role of the Superintendent as Perceived by School Administrators and School Board Presidents in Texas Public Schools in Region 20 ESC
Author: Peter John Running
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2005
Genre:
ISBN:
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This study examined the role of the superintendent as it is perceived by school administrators and school board presidents. The study was limited to public schools in Texas located within Region 20 ESC. Responses to a Likert-type instrument were solicited from school board presidents, superintendents and other school administrators (n=163). The questionnaire generated data regarding perceptions toward the role of the superintendent in nine different domains containing 38 different criteria. Results from an ANOVA showed no significant difference at the alpha level of .05. Sidak post-hoc tests were run as well, but because the ANOVA did not reveal any significant difference, the post-hoc data was not presented. The primary conclusion drawn from this study was that the perceived conflict in the literature that exists between boards and superintendents that is prevalent enough to cause a superintendent to leave a district, was not brought to light in this study. Board presidents, superintendents and other school administrators all appear to have the same perceptions regarding the role of the superintendent. This questionnaire did not reveal the source of conflict. However, the data revealed that board presidents, superintendents and other school administrators see the superintendent's role in the same way. The findings from this research may indicate that as a result of extensive board training, there may be improved respect and communication between the board, superintendents, and other school administrators. Recommendations include, among others: 1. Research into the development of an instrument that examines a more reflective relationship between the board and superintendent dealing with the aspects of personality, character, prejudices and attitudes. 2. Through the legal process, to increase the length of a term for board members from the current three-year term to at least five years. 3. Through the legal process, modify the Open Meetings Act to allow boards the freedom to conduct self-evaluations and "board performance" issues behind closed doors. This would eliminate the perception of the board "airing dirty laundry" in public.

School Board Presidents' Perceptions of the Superintendent Selection Process

School Board Presidents' Perceptions of the Superintendent Selection Process
Author: Robert A. Rasmussen
Publisher:
Total Pages: 326
Release: 2013
Genre: School board members
ISBN: 9781303520990
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Abstract: School districts face enormous challenges with recent reductions in fiscal resources due to cuts in California's state budget and an average tenure for a school superintendent of only 3 years. School boards are challenged to find a leader who can address the needs of the school district during these difficult times. As numerous school superintendents are retiring, and a new generation of educators is applying for key positions in educational leadership, it is important to better understand the perceptions of school board presidents who have experience in selecting a school superintendent. This study explored the perceptions of the superintendent selection process of five participating school board presidents. The participants in this study shared their perceptions of the superintendent search process and selection criteria, perceptions on the most important leadership characteristics desired in a superintendent, and perceptions in the standards used to measure leadership in the candidates selected as superintendent. The findings revealed several components of the selection process that will serve school boards in evaluating the best strategy for them in conducting the superintendent search. When school boards embark on the process of selecting a superintendent, their actions become very public and ultimately reflect on how they view community involvement and input into on-going district leadership. As a result, a well-defined plan of action will reflect well on the school board, build community trust, and set the stage for a positive transition to new leadership at the superintendent level. The assertion that selecting a superintendent may very well be the school board's most important duty of action, it is imperative that such a process be articulated and integrated within the scope of district need and community involvement.