The purpose of this sequential exploratory mixed-method study was to discover the factors that lead to a school board hiring a non-traditional superintendent qualified through a Commission Qualification Letter over a superintendent qualified through a traditional Letter of Eligibility in Pennsylvania. The researcher used surveys and interviews to explore this topic and examine the superintendent and board members' perceptions. Findings that emerged from the superintendents' were that the school board hires based on the district's needs. Board members can be biased towards educational leadership background, as they are most familiar with individuals' leadership qualities with an academic experience. Findings from the school board directors' interview responses were that the board hires to balance instructional, leadership, and management skills. The school board directors looked at those with a business background as an advantage as leadership skills precede credential type. The researcher concluded that it is not the certification, but it is a combination of the district's need when hiring and superintendent candidate experience. There are four areas where the findings impact the field, and they are in hiring challenges, promotions, educating the board, and hard-to-fill vacancies. The organizations affected could be PASBO, PSBA, PDE, and IU's. [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.]