Full Description
"Callan and Levinson illustrate the complexities of superintendent's job and provide concrete strategies to proactively address them—a nice overview to start with and reference to use over time."
—Peter Dillon, Superintendent
Berkshire Hills Regional School District, Stockbridge, MA
"This book provides valuable information for aspiring and new superintendents. I wish this resource had been available when I was considering the superintendency."
—Marie Blum, Superintendent
Canaseraga Central School District, NY
An expert guide to becoming a successful superintendent
Veteran superintendents Mary Frances Callan and William Levinson provide engaging examples and practical advice based on years of experience in this comprehensive how-to guide for aspiring and new superintendents. They believe that understanding all aspects of the superintendency is critical to developing expertise and that those who master a wide array of leadership and organizational skills significantly increase their chances for success. Offering both the benefits of their knowledge and a vision for the future, the authors cover a full range of topics, including:
Keys to providing exceptional instructional leadership
Strategic planning, goal setting, and decision making
Budgeting, negotiations and collective bargaining
Effective communication with staff, the board, unions, and the media
This unique reference focuses on the interconnections between leadership, organization, and action and provides tools for assessing the most appropriate response to any on-the-job situation.
Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
About the Authors
1. Becoming a Superintendent
Getting Ready
The Application Process
Interviews
Site Visits
The Final Step: Your Contract
Summary
2. Transitioning to Your New District
Managing Your Transition
Addressing Personal Issues
Summary
3. Getting Started: Organizing to Lead
Scheduling for Success
Other Responsibilities
Summary
4. Moving the District Forward
Decision Making
Mastering the Budget
Improving Teaching and Learning
Goal Setting and Evaluation
Summary
5. Completing Year One, Planning Year Two: A Continuous Cycle
Determining Your Legacy Goals
Planning the Final Six Months of the School Year
Summary
6. Working With a School Board
The Basics
Communicating With the Board
Board Meetings
Summary
7. Working With Employee Groups
Establish Relationships
An Overview of Collective Bargaining
Issues Influencing Collective Bargaining
Summary
8. Negotiating Agreements
Getting Started
Organizing Negotiations
At the Table
Settling Compensation
Ratification and Next Steps
Summary
9. Communicating: Enhanced Decisions
Communicating With Parents and the Public
Working With the Media
Communicating With Staff and Students
Final Considerations
Summary
10. Looking Ahead
The Challenges
Summary
Final Thoughts
Resources
Index
