Achieving Success for New and Aspiring Superintendents
A Practical Guide
- Mary Frances Callan - Retired - Superintendent
- William Levinson - Retired - Superintendent, Hazaard, Young & Attea (HYA) Consultant
What makes their approach unique is the belief that talented people who aspire to be superintendents are far more likely to accomplish that goal and achieve success on the job if they understand the totality of the position. School districts are complex organizations. Providing effective leadership to these organizations requires mastery of a wide array of leadership and organizational skills. Aspiring superintendents with vision and motivation who understand the inherent challenges of the position have a great advantage over those who do not.
The book's goal is to provide readers with this advantage. This is why the book covers the full cycle of the first superintendent position: preparation, application and transition, the challenges of the first few years, and the decision to stay or move to another position. Aspiring and new superintendents who read the book will learn about the full range of skills and knowledge needed to succeed. They will be better prepared to be effective superintendents.
"Throughout the book, the authors illustrate the complexities of the job and offer strategies in areas such as budgeting and conducting negotiations; communicating effectively with staff, the board, unions and the media; and honing leadership and organizational skills."