The qualities that school boards and others expect in superintendents are not being met. Solutions include (1) better training, with enrollment in management courses; (2) internships; (3) first-year support groups; (4) inservice training; and (5) personal development. (MLF)

A 52-item survey sent to 2,197 school board presidents was responded to by 1,217 (55 percent) of the executives. The results suggest that the longer they serve on school boards, the more inclined the presidents are to follow their superintendents' lead and the less inclined they are to support school reform. (MLF)

The most significant finding of various commission reports is stakeholders' lack of involvement in the decisions affecting them. School board's major function is to develop processes that ensure stakeholder participation in developing and implementing a shared vision for education. Board should ensure that all competent administrators and teachers…

Discusses responses to a 1990 survey of 21 Chief Librarians of medium-sized public libraries in Ontario regarding experiences working with the Library Board. Topics addressed include the powers and role of the board, balance and limits of power, informing the board, working with the municipality, the working relationship, clarifying expectations,…

Elementary and secondary public school principals in South Dakota were surveyed concerning their personal characteristics, work history, educational background, characteristics of student body, level of career satisfaction, relationship with superiors including central and board administration, career goals, management approaches, and professional…

In "Kinsey," a fired superintendent claimed a violation of free expression and association rights by his employing board of education. Examines similar cases and contends that public defiance or disloyalty by a principal or superintendent exceeds the tacit limits of intra-administrative disagreement. (108 footnotes) (MLF)

At the recent National Collegiate Athletic Association convention, college presidents helped enact a package of reforms that will help governing boards plan their institutions' athletics programs. If these policies are to restore the proper balance of athletics and academics, presidents must receive continued board support. (Author/MSE)

Presents results af an exploratory study of the role of contextual and personal factors in modifying principals' administrative behavior. Of the personal characteristics, principals' goals, particularly those of providing leadership had the most influence on administrative behavior. Of contextual influences, the district's psychological…

It takes solid information to make a sound decision. A joint trustee-administration committee at Montgomery College (Maryland) has worked out a process to convert a flood of data into an orderly, effective decision support system. Instructive presentation of data is a key element. (Author/MSE)

Because the higher education outcomes assessment movement has gathered momentum, and because of its potential for good or ill, trustees must help presidents build on strengths and eliminate weaknesses of the process by being deliberate about institutional response, scrutinizing the literature, consulting experts, and persuading numerous groups to…

The Supreme Court's denial of review in the case of "Kinsey v. Salado ISD" may serve to restrict future free speech and political association rights of top educational administrators. Advises top administrators to avoid public involvement in the election of their board members. (MLF)

To survive a contentious, dysfunctional environment, interested school board members in a Pennsylvania community captured support from district leaders. A steering committee composed of the superintendent, assistant superintendent, and board president was formed. Establishing rules for brainstorming sessions and developing a "leadership…

Offers suggestions for former school board members who want to stay involved in the district. They can serve as critical friends, community liaisons, or cheerleader/resource persons. (LMI)

A study by a charter school advocacy group found the most common reason for charter school closure was mismanagement, followed by financial difficulties, inability to find a suitable facility, and failure to meet the academic goals of their charter. Vignettes of charter schools in Alaska and Oregon illustrate these problems and offer advice for…

Examines a woman superintendent's 2-year tenure in a small southern city from a feminist perspective. Against a backdrop of community/district politics, shows how gender stereotyping still influences how female superintendents are perceived as school-system leaders. Women must resist traditional images reserved for them and reinvent the…