This paper evaluates the superintendent selection processes in over 500 local school districts in New York State. A survey of practicing superintendents, identified the following processes that school districts use to recruit their superintendents: board of education review only; assistance of university placement services; involvement of district superintendents; use of private consultants; and other approaches. Data produced by the study compared the types of districts, the components of the selection process, approaches of successful candidates to selection process, selection processes preferred by successful candidates, and the characteristics of successful candidates. The result of the study identified similarities and differences among these approaches. Twelve data tables are appended. (6 references) (SI)