Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
1. My Office Key Works, What's Next?
The Superintendency: Understanding the Historical Context
Potential Pitfalls for New Superintendents
Challenges of Leading a School District
The Importance of Focusing on the "Big Picture"
The Windowpane Model: A Tool for Analyzing and Understaning Constituent Perspectives
The Superintendent as Community Liaison
Develop a Key Communicators Listing
The Changing Role of the Superintendency
Navigating the Changing Landscape
2. The Superintendent-School Board Relationship: A Cornerstone of Your Success
Managing the Superintendent-Board Relationship
The Importance of Equal Treatment
Addressing Individual Board Member Requests
When Is Equal Treatment Unequal?
Superintendent-Board Chair/President Interaction
Establishing Superintendent-Board Chair/President Interaction Norms
Keeping the Chair/President Relationship Productive
The Basics of Board Communication
Successful Communication: Form and Frequency
A Special Note About E-Mail Communication
Frequency of Communication
Establishing Effective Superintendent-Board Chair/President Communication
Emergency Communication Standards
Maintenance of Your Communication Plan With the Board
Board Standards and Operating Protocols
Who Has Authority for What: The Board and Superintendent as a Team
3. Organizational Trust and Culture: What Every Superintendent Should Know
Rapport, Trust, Climate, and Their Relation to Culture
Building and Sustaining Organizational Trust
Organizational Culture: The Gatekeeper of Excellence
Properties of School Districts as Organizations
The Complexity of Organizations
Organizations Are Surprising
Organizations Are Deceptive
Organizations Are Like Organisms
Trust and Excellence in Employee Group/Union Relationships
4. School Finance 101: What Should the Superintendent Know?
Staying Afloat: Four Key Financial Reports
Monthly Enrollment Reports
Annual Enrollment Projections
Key Components and Their Location in the Budget Report
Current Month's Expenditures
Previous Year's Budget Data
Amount of Money Left in the Current Budget
Staffing Plans/Position Control Systems
Long-Range Financial Projection: Your Own Crystal Ball
The Importance of Long-Range Projection
Understanding the School District's Financial Audit
5. How to Implement New Ideas in Your Initial Years as Superintendent
Transitions and the Change Process
Frames of Reference Related to the Change Process
Strategies to Consider When Dealing With Resistance
Facilitating/Guiding Groups Through Change
6. Supervising Principals and Directors: Strategies for Success
Supervision of Executive-Level Administrators and Principals
Getting the Most From Your Staff Members
Supervision Strategies for Directors and Department/Divisional Administrators
Evaluating Department Heads, Assistant Superintendents, and Directors
7. What About the Students? Instructional Leadership and Dealing With Federal Programs
8. Dealing With Difficult People and Situations
What's Behind All of This Negative Behavior?
Understanding the Perspectives of Others
Substantive (Cognitive) Conflict
Affective (Personality-Based) Conflict
Skills for Dealing With Difficult People
Temporary Suspension of Opinion
Design and Implement Positive Problem-Solving Processes
Working Positively With the Press
9. Getting the Word Out: Effective Communication Strategies
The Power of Effective Communication
Sticky Note Ripple Effects
Managing Information Flow in Your Office and in the District
Establishing a Board Communication Process
Handling Private and Public Data
10. It's July, Now What?
The Importance of an Entry Plan: Successfully Navigating Your First Ninety Days on the Job
Key Components for Successful Mentor-Mentee Relationships
Sample Calendar of Monthly Events/Activities
Key Points From Each Chapter
References
Index
