Perspectives and Reflections for the Superintendent: What Can Be Learned from Experience? focuses on the many challenges and opportunities facing school district superintendents and other school leaders on a regular basis. It cites numerous, actual events which are described and explained regarding best practices. The chapters emphasize the importance of experience and preparation, and provide examples, experiences, scenarios, takeaways, tools, and more with respect to the superintendent and the aspiring superintendent. Additionally, tips on establishing and maintaining a positive relationship with the school board are given-a relationship which is paramount for the superintendent and the school district to be successful. Perhaps one of the more important observations conveyed in the text is the need for the school board, the staff, and everyone interested in the schooling process to work together. Without collaboration among all parties concerned, stagnation will fester, and nothing worthwhile will be accomplished. Other topics presented include conflict resolution, ethics, high-performing teams, lessons learned, and ways to cultivate positive community relations. This book is practical for the seated superintendent and essential for the aspiring superintendent.
Dr. Samuel A. DePaul began his career as a biology and chemistry teacher, transitioned into school administration as a high school principal, and then spent thirty years as a school district superintendent. Presently, he serves as executive director of the North GA RESA. His undergraduate work was at Geneva College, his master's at Westminster College, and his Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh. He has been a member of AASA since 1988. Dr. DePaul and his wife reside in Talking Rock, GA; they have a son, daughter-in-law, and two beautiful granddaughters residing in Philadelphia, PA.
Foreword by Dr. Mark Wilson Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1. Preparation for the Position of Superintendent Chapter 2. Leadership and the Superintendent Chapter 3. Challenges and Opportunities of the Superintendent Chapter 4. Roles and Responsibilities of the Superintendent and School Board Chapter 5. Ethics and the Superintendent and School Board Members Chapter 6. The Importance of Committees and Teams to the Superintendent Chapter 7. Conflict Resolution Chapter 8. Cultivating Positive Community Relations and Partnerships Chapter 9. Proven Effective Tools from the Toolbox Chapter 10. Lessons Learned References About the Author
From preparation to implementation, math class to cheerleading tryouts, bus drivers to school board members, honoring traditions to innovating with new ideas, and historical knowledge to constant changes, Dr. Samuel A. DePaul shares his wealth of knowledge and experience to help guide current and future educational leaders. His advice, wisdom, and stories serve as an inspiration for those who continue to choose to lead our schools, staff, students, and communities. -- Laurie Barron, Superintendent of the Year, Montana 2020; National Middle School Principal of the Year, 2013; author of "We Belong: Fifty Strategies to Create Community and Revolutionize Classroom Management" and "Middle School: A Place to Belong and Become" Samuel A. DePaul's path to the superintendency is amazingly similar to mine, so his reflections really hit home for me. The practical takeaways he provides from his experiences are invaluable for any school leader. I only wish Perspectives and Reflections for the Superintendent: What Can Be Learned from Experience? would have been available before I became a superintendent. -- Wes Watts, superintendent, West Baton Rouge Parish; Superintendent of the Year, Louisiana 2022; host of "Testimonies Over Test Scores" podcast In Perspectives and Reflections for the Superintendent: What Can Be Learned from Experience? Dr. Samuel A. DePaul offers good, no-nonsense advice for any school administrator, whether upcoming, brand new, or seasoned. He presents possible solutions to everyday problems in an easy-to-read format that outlines how becoming a successful administrator can be learned and mastered-thereby showing how any good leader can adapt techniques to help them be more successful. His focus on the superintendency role is especially invaluable and can possibly save superintendents from those missteps that often cause headaches and heartaches. It would behoove any administrator to put into practice the concepts included in this writing. -- Angela Mills Ed.D, retired assistant superintendent, North Carolina Dr. DePaul provides a rare glimpse into the daily challenges for school superintendents. Sharing real-life scenarios and offering practical solutions, Perspectives and Reflections for the Superintendent reads like a collection of educational nuggets of wisdom for any aspiring or sitting superintendent. An easy, down-to-earth read with a wealth of perspective that one cannot get from attaining a traditional administration degree. -- Dan Matsook, retired superintendent, Central Valley School District; Pennsylvania DOE Financial Recovery Officer
