The key to succeeding in superintendent-board relationships is fitting the school board into a three-part framework of policies, meetings, and goals. Advice is also provided concerning budgeting, becoming acquainted with board members, and handling disagreements. A sidebar classifies board members as builders, shopkeepers, mechanics, cheerleaders,…

A veteran superintendent outlines an eight-step method for achieving success, including assessing the situation, avoiding board overload, coping with stress, deemphasizing egoism, learning to live in the gray zone between policy formation and administration, ensuring effective board decisions, identifying prospective board members, and knowing…

Successful urban superintendents demonstrate various traits not always specified in job descriptions, including an ability to inspire, business savvy, sensitivity to diversity, self-confidence, deference to board members, high energy, and a sense of humor. A school executive assuming an urban superintendency without these qualities will experience…