But my personal preference, made clear from the beginning, is to serve one term. That also has its advantages for both you and the board. What any school district needs is leadership, someone with a sensible long-range plan, willing to put her neck out and take the consequences. A superintendent s life expectancy in most districts is not much better than that for a college coach with consecutive losing seasons. Expecting superintendents to champion unpopular changes is unrealistic.
Mere survival is a considerable accomplishment.
Leadership must come from the board. And however subtle, the desire to be re-elected can sometimes blunt the political courage board leadership requires. Of course, board members must survey, and represent, community values. But they also need to hold steady to course in the crosswinds of political storms. Our present board has a record of innovative accomplishment.