School boards and superintendents should redefine their roles, rights, and responsibilities. Superintendents should have final authority for personnel and other matters for which they are accountable. More needs to be done to increase opportunities among women and minorities. States should improve and fund certification preparation and training opportunities for superintendents. The position of superintendent should be made more manageable, more attractive, and more secure.
Action needs to be taken to allow certification and pension portability among states.
Talented leaders should be identified early and given high-powered training to groom them for leadership positions. Salary and benefit issues need to be addressed. The study notes the small differential between the superintendent's salary and that of educators and principals deters many from seeking the higher-pressured, more demanding job of superintendent. Additional ways need to be found to recognize and celebrate excellent superintendents. Copyright 2000, National School Boards Association.