FINDING THE CORRECT FIT OR QUICKLY FINDING AN EXIT FOR SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS: PERCEPTIONS FROM THOSE WHO PLACED THEM OR ARE COMMISSIONED TO REPLACE THEM

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain an essence and understanding of the phenomenon of short superintendency tenure through the qualitative lenses of superintendent search agents. Research questions included the roles of educational preparation, leadership qualities, and contextual factors in superintendent tenure. Superintendent search agents matching the criteria boundaries of working for an agency with at least 10 years of search experience and also the firm’s nonprofit status were chosen for this research work. These criteria were used to reduce bias due to financial reward and lack of institutional or association experience. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with superintendent search agents to gain an understanding of the phenomenon of school superintendent short tenure. Observations included a job shadowing experience and geographical observation of the agents’ descriptive locations of the phenomenon as described in the interview. A focus group of current and former practicing school superintendents was used to assist in the triangulation of data. Emerging themes included understanding the role of the superintendent, preparation for the role of superintendent, leadership traits, and contextual factors impacting superintendent tenure. Additional sub-areas of study included job complexity, school boards, stepping-stone jobs, impact of search agencies, non-traditional hiring, occupational pipeline, trust, ego, mentorship, community, applicant pools, rural and urban settings, career and place-bound superintendencies, and diversity. Findings included relationships, communication, trust, correct fit, impact of school boards, and finding the correct fit. Implications include identifying success in the position role and the impact of career versus place-bound superintendencies.