This handbook describes what it is like to be a school superintendent in Massachusetts and offers conclusions and practical suggestions on how school board members, superintendents, and state officials can maximize the effectiveness and productivity of the superintendent. The author's analysis of the superintendent's role is based in part on survey responses from 255 of the 270 Massachusetts school superintendents, and on informal interviews and conversations with superintendents and school board members. The final chapter summarizes many of the suggestions offered throughout the booklet and presents four checklists of recommendations for state agencies and organizations, board members, superintendents, and board members and superintendents, respectively. (Author/JG)