The author discusses several major issues facing the nation that he feels necessitate new roles for schools and administrators. He claims that there are no more important decisions made by the board of education than the one concerning the selection and employment of a superintendent and the establishment of his working conditions, since it is he who will provide the leadership needed to produce quality education. The author proposes that the contract issue from a joint effort between the board and the prospective superintendent; and that it contain specific provisions relating to the conditions of employment, fringe benefits, duties and responsibilities of the board and the superintendent, and evaluation and renewal. (Author/WM)