Working Toward Success

Edited by Amy E. Van Deuren; Thomas F. Evert and Bette A. Lang

The importance of positive board/superintendent relationships cannot be understated. The need to balance competing political pressures to create the best possible learning opportunities for students is ever present. Most importantly, board/superintendent relationships should be cultivated with openness and transparency among each other and the public.This book is a resource for both board members and superintendents, and explores issues related to the board/superintendent relationship and superintendent hiring practices. The book includes contributions from experienced and new superintendents and board members on a wide range of topics that boards and superintendents must navigate together successfully in order to move districts in a positive direction for students, staff, parents, and communities.This book is unique in that the intended audience is both boards and superintendents. It is not a resource wherein "experts" tell board members how they should conduct board business, nor a resource that informs superintendents how to "manage" school boards. Instead, the book promotes and encourages a productive working relationship and partnership that moves school districts forward in a positive manner.

Preface-Amy E. Van Deuren, Thomas F. Evert, Bette A. LangAcknowledgementsPart I: Board/Superintendent InteractionsChapter 1 Overview: Context, Complexity, and Leadership FrameworkAmy E. Van Deuren and Thomas F. EvertPart II: Board/Superintendent Interactions - Practical TipsChapter 2 Superintendent Behaviors and Influence on the Board/SuperintendentPartnershipMichele L. Severson and Thomas F. EvertChapter 3 School Board Professional DevelopmentAmy E. Van DeurenChapter 4Board/Superintendent Dynamics and InteractionsAmy E. Van Deuren and Thomas F. EvertChapter 5 Variables that Affect the Complexity of Board/Superintendent InteractionsThomas F. Evert and Bette A. LangChapter 6The Effects of Existing Community Culture on Board/Superintendent RelationshipsBette A. Lang and Pamela KiefertChapter 7 Unanticipated Departures of SuperintendentsThomas F. Evert and Amy E. Van DeurenPart III: Hiring IssuesChapter 8 Board Considerations for Hiring SuperintendentsBette A. Lang and Joel A. VerDuinChapter 9 Hiring Internal Candidates for SuperintendentAnnette Van Hook Thompson and Linda BarrowsChapter 10 Hiring Interim SuperintendentsJon R. Vollendorf and Thomas F. EvertChapter 11Summary of ReferencesAbout the Editors and Authors