It is rare for superintendents to stay longer than six years in the same district. A big part of the problem is inadequate systems for evaluating superintendents.
Most districts rely on a checklist or open-ended format for conducting superintendent evaluations.
Neither method focuses on the unique needs of the district. Good superintendents can be railroaded by a few enemies on the board, and poor superintendents can escape accountability. When a school board fails to act within the requirements of the superintendent's contract, or within the evaluation timeline, the superintendent is deprived of a chance to respond. More crucial, however, the board may be forced to employ an unsatisfactory superintendent for another year. Together, the board and superintendent select evaluation criteria and determine the tools and methods for collecting data to support the evaluation.