How does one become an effective superintendent of schools? There is no simple formula as the turnover rate reflects difficulty of the position. Some maintain that the job cannot be done well due to politics, financial constraints, and time demands. As a former superintendent, the author rejects this negative view. In this highly readable, informative, and entertaining volume, he presents a positive perspective of what superintendents need to do to become successful. Here, he reflects on predicaments he has encountered and then analyzes the event in the context of similar situations that modern American Presidents have encountered. A combination of sensitivity and humor, this book offers practical solutions to daily challenges that confront administrators. Following a foreword by Roland Barth, and an introduction, this book is divided into eight chapters: (1) Terminating Ineffective Administrators; (2) Decision Making; (3) Vision; (4) Risk Taking; (5) Negotiations; (6) Communication; (7) Resolving School Board Issues; and (8) Budget. An afterword and a list of resources conclude the book.