Questionnaires were mailed in 1986 to school board presidents in small rural districts across the United States in order to identify the characteristics of successful rural school superintendents and the qualities that rural school boards look for when hiring a superintendent. There were 93 usable responses from 28 states. Analysis of the responses showed that the major challenges confronting superintendents in small rural districts were those of securing adequate school funding and improving school curriculum. Of somewhat lesser concern were securing and retaining teachers and improving student academic achievement. School consolidation did not appear to be a major issue. The school board presidents felt that superintendents should be able to communicate well and work well with staff, students, parents, and other community members. The ability to deal with school budgets, secure funds, and coordinate educational functions was also considered important. Honesty, integrity, good moral character, and a good personality were listed fairly frequently as important characteristics for a school superintendent. Interest and ability to live and work in a small community were also felt to contribute to a superintendent's effectiveness. (JHZ)