Any individual who might some day consider becoming a superintendent is the target audience for this book. Superintendents face both strong challenges and rich rewards. Currently the pool of qualified candidates for superintendent openings is getting smaller. Many perceive the career as a series of political hassles without the rewards of helping individual students. The reader who is hesitant about this career path may find this book a deciding factor. Organized into 17 chapters, the book describes changes in this career since the 1950s; explains the preparation needed to become a superintendent; examines the possible career paths leading to a superintendency; gives details about the sacrifices and rewards of the position; considers the first year; demystifies budgets and bond issues; looks at the relationship with the board; focuses on the relationship with faculty and staff; examines working with an administrative team; delineates the function of a district instructional leader; considers legal issues of the profession; offers advice for surviving in the political arena; considers one's personal life; suggests key questions before accepting a new position; offers some final thoughts on leadership; and poses questions one should ask oneself before entering this career path. Notes follow each chapter and an index is provided. (RKJ)