Executive leadership positions in public schools in the United States are dominated by white males. Equitable representation is not currently present for females in the role of public school superintendents (Mertz, 2006). The superintendency maintains the status as the least gender-diverse executive position in the country (Bjork, 2000; Grogan & Brunner, 2005; McGovern-Robinett & Orlando, 2003; Skarla 2000). Nationally, women hold at least 70% of the teaching positions and 41% of the principal positions. Yet, only 18% of public school superintendent positions are held by females in the United States (Glass, 2000; Grogan & Brunner, 2005). Certainly, many women are well-qualified to fill administrative positions. At some point in their progress through the administrative career path, they meet a barrier to further advancement which is referred to metaphorically as the "glass ceiling" (Scanlon, 1997, p. 39). The study targets Iowa female principals' decision to pursue or avoid the superintendency. Over the past five years, the number of female superintendents in Iowa has ranged from 8.2% to 11.3%. Nationally, the growth for females in the superintendency has been at a faster pace than Iowa. The American Association of School Administrators reports a range of female superintendents in the United States from 16% to 21.7% in the same timeframe of the past five years. The study investigates the reasons that Iowa ranks below the nation in the representation of women in the superintendency. Research gathered in the mixed-methods study reports the mean and frequencies of survey items. Study participants include respondents to the on-line survey which was sent electronically to all K-12 female principals in Iowa. Focus groups were held to encourage more in-depth responses from Iowa female principals and associate principals. Three focus groups of 4-8 female principals took place at the School Administrators of Iowa Conference in August of 2009. All aspects of the study were designed to examine the factors which influence Iowa female principals' decision to pursue the superintendency. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]