The importance of positive board/superintendent relationships cannot be understated. The need to balance competing political pressures to create the best possible learning opportunities for students is ever present. Most importantly, board/superintendent relationships should be cultivated with openness and transparency among each other and the public. This book is a resource for both board members and superintendents, and explores issues related to the board/superintendent relationship and superintendent hiring practices. The book includes contributions from experienced and new superintendents and board members on a wide range of topics that boards and superintendents must navigate together successfully in order to move districts in a positive direction for students, staff, parents, and communities. This book is unique in that the intended audience is both boards and superintendents. It is not a resource wherein "experts" tell board members how they should conduct board business, nor a resource that informs superintendents how to "manage" school boards. Instead, the book promotes and encourages a productive working relationship and partnership that moves school districts forward in a positive manner.
Preface-Amy E. Van Deuren, Thomas F. Evert, Bette A. Lang Acknowledgements Part I: Board/Superintendent Interactions Chapter 1 Overview: Context, Complexity, and Leadership FrameworkAmy E. Van Deuren and Thomas F. Evert Part II: Board/Superintendent Interactions - Practical Tips Chapter 2 Superintendent Behaviors and Influence on the Board/Superintendent Partnership Michele L. Severson and Thomas F. Evert Chapter 3 School Board Professional Development Amy E. Van Deuren Chapter 4Board/Superintendent Dynamics and Interactions Amy E. Van Deuren and Thomas F. Evert Chapter 5 Variables that Affect the Complexity of Board/Superintendent Interactions Thomas F. Evert and Bette A. Lang Chapter 6The Effects of Existing Community Culture on Board/ Superintendent Relationships Bette A. Lang and Pamela Kiefert Chapter 7 Unanticipated Departures of Superintendents Thomas F. Evert and Amy E. Van Deuren Part III: Hiring Issues Chapter 8 Board Considerations for Hiring Superintendents Bette A. Lang and Joel A. VerDuin Chapter 9 Hiring Internal Candidates for Superintendent Annette Van Hook Thompson and Linda Barrows Chapter 10 Hiring Interim Superintendents Jon R. Vollendorf and Thomas F. Evert Chapter 11Summary of References About the Editors and Authors
