The debate continues as to whether the principal should be more closely allied with management or with teachers in the negotiations arena. Ultimately, however, most principals will gravitate toward the management corner; principals of large school districts will form independent bargaining units; principals in smaller districts will be more…

In this report, the author analyzes the career of superintendents from the dual perspective of (1) the men as they trace out a career in the superintendency and (2) the job at the center of interest. The material first focuses on the characteristics of those who enter the occupation; their sources of occupational motivation and action; their…

In this speech, the process problems facing school boards are examined, and techniques for overcoming these problems are suggested. According to the authors, a school board is a collection of diverse individuals characterized by (1) a lack of criteria to define excellence, (2) a lack of specific goals to focus its work on, (3) a lack of broad…

This paper examines some of the factors involved in the dissatisfaction theory of local school governance. This theory holds that change in school board policy comes about through voter dissatisfaction expressed at the polls, since there is no other way for citizens to express their desires. School board "culture" dictates that the board…

Two key elements define the stability of the relationship between the school board and the superintendent and of the governance structure--vulnerability, the existence of, or lack of, checks and balances in the structure, and consensus, the agreement or lack of agreement on governance pattern and system goals. (Author/IRT)

Investigation of 89 suburban elementary school principals demonstrates that principals who have moved among several districts are more likely to have conflict with central office than those who have remained in one district throughout their careers. (Author/BJV)

Outlines results from a nationwide survey of school board members and superintendents attempting to identify board member and superintendent agreements and disagreements about their roles in school leadership. Includes a chart outlining the responses and a list of the four areas identified as likely to cause conflict. (MD)

Outlines a strategy for simultaneously evaluating and motivating principals. Argues that principals should be recognized and treated as top level managers; they should be given reinforcement and recognition through a strong leadership development program. (TE)

This study reflects the view of three key state education groups concerning the perceived superintendent applicant crisis. One group consists of 37 elected and appointed chief state school officers, a second of 42 executive directors of the American Association of School Administrators' (AASA) state affiliates, and a third of 31 executive…

This paper examines how motivations for school-board membership influence individual board member's agendas. It suggests the implications of individual agendas for board dynamics and superintendents when both must be accountable to state and federal mandates and their own district's desire to collaborate to improve academic achievement for all…

This paper discusses how to design useful research and scholarship on higher education governance, trusteeship, and the academic presidency, proposing radically altered decision making mechanisms and several research approaches derived from the humanities and social sciences. The paper describes the world into which today's graduates are moving,…

School board members will no longer silently accept responsibility for the mistakes of professional educators. Boards, and the public they speak for, are demanding an educational product that can be evaluated and audited for its financial as well as its educational worth. Strong board leadership, a new image of governance, and a relationship of…

Recent increases in the percentage of women on United States school boards is already changing the decision-making process. A DuPage County, Illinois, survey reveals that, for example, while male board members tend to emphasize administrative efficiency, women tend to get more involved in educational policy formation. (JBM)

The 1982 dismissal of a college president is outlined and examined. At issue were: the politics of the process of dismissal, which involved the state governor; lack of involvement of faculty, students or staff in the decision; and principles of governance relationships in colleges and universities. (MSE)

It is the president's job to point out, remind, persuade, suggest new ideas, and identify places where improvement is needed or the operation is not yet satisfactory. Knowing when to accept the presidency, what to do while there, and when to leave are important job aspects. (MSE)