In an era of unprecedented challenges for educational leadership, Problems of Practice: Case Studies of the Superintendency emerges as an indispensable guide for navigating the complex realities of school administration. This vital volume delves into the multifaceted issues superintendents confront daily, from critical topics like school finance and personnel management to conflict resolution and intricate superintendent-board relations, all identified as paramount by the AASA Decennial Study (2020). Beyond these core areas, the book expands its scope to pressing post-pandemic problems of practice that define the contemporary educational landscape.
Through a collection of insightful, real-world case studies, each chapter offers a detailed examination of specific challenges faced by superintendents, alongside the practical policies, processes, and procedures employed to address them. Readers will gain profound understanding from the lived experiences of leaders who have successfully navigated complex district problems, fiscal crises, and diverse stakeholder relationships. Whether you are an aspiring superintendent seeking to build a robust foundation, a current leader refining your approach, or an academic researcher exploring the nuances of educational leadership, this book provides invaluable lessons, actionable recommendations, and crucial reflective opportunities.
Authored by experienced practitioners and scholars, Problems of Practice bridges theory and practice, offering a holistic view that empowers leaders to foster deeper understanding, make informed decisions, and drive proactive change within their educational communities. Prepare to engage with compelling narratives that will equip you with the knowledge and strategies essential for an effective and impactful superintendency.
Table of Contents:
District Case Studies
Chapter 1. Change Management: Lessons from Retiring a Racially Offensive High School Mascot; Monte R. Woolstenhulme and J. Wilfred Cwikiel
Chapter 2. LGBTQ+ Representation in Schools: A Superintendent’s Experience Navigating Public Backlash; Lisa Nieuwenhuizen and Peter Stiepleman
Chapter 3. Conflicting Expectations in Superintendent and Board Relations: What Happens When Governing Boards Don’t Believe Poverty is Their Problem?; Sheri S. Williams
Chapter 4. Righting the Wrongs in 'Right to Read' Legislation: Navigating State Policy Mandates; Antoinette M. Ryan, Wesley L.C. Henry, Jan Perruccio, and Paula Talty
Chapter 5. District Leadership as a Critical Lever for Transformation and Advancing Equity; Max Altman, Valerie H. Bridges, and Kenita Williams
Fiscal Case Studies
Chapter 6. Reaching the Fiscal Cliff: Including the Community in Making Hard Budget and Resource Decisions; Lena Batt and Anthony Lewis
Chapter 7. Money Talks: A Rural Small District Navigating Competing Demands via Chaotic Times; Josh Swartz and Grace J. Liang
Chapter 8. Recruiting, Retaining, and Rewarding a Representative Teacher Workforce; Kadee Anstadt
Stakeholder Case Studies
Chapter 9. A Case Study on New School Superintendent Tension; Genelle Morris and Tyrone Bynoe
Chapter 10. Leading a Rural School District through Crisis: Superintendent in Extremis Leadership; Laura Gail Lunsford, Kathleen Castillo-Clark, and Dale Cole
Chapter 11. Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way: When Getting Out of the Way is the Direct Route to Success; Kevin J. Whitaker and Tyrone Bynoe
Chapter 12. Trust, Understanding, Relationships and Forgiveness (TURF): Defining Success in a Rural Superintendency; Randy Hetherington and Darin Drill
About the Author :
Nicole V. Schilling, Ph.D. is a Professor of Educational Leadership at St. Bonaventure University with a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from The Ohio State University.
Nathan S. Schilling, Ph.D. is currently serving as the sixth Superintendent of Lansing School District 158 since 1932, and Board Secretary for Exceptional Children Have Opportunities.
