Most observers would agree that school superintendents in this country are under siege, as is the entire class of administrators in both the public and private sectors. Improved communication and transportation technology have increased public awareness and reaction to events. In addition, our society is increasingly organized into numerous special interest groups. Also, the consolidation of school districts into larger units has accentuated the problems caused by competing interest groups. The resulting conflicts create unstable political situations that affect both the public and private sectors. Public and private administration today are becoming increasingly complex. In addition, today's superintendents are often "outsiders" with no established support in the community, so replacement of a superintendent is relatively easy. The focus of destabilizing focus is not solely on the superintendent; however, the chief administrative position seems to be the most affected. In Parson's view, the position of superintendent lies at the interface between society's representatives and the educational organization. So whenever there is a gap between society and the organization, the superintendent receives the most stress. If this analysis is correct, superintendents will remain under siege as long as stressful situations exist. (Author/JG)