School Administrator: March 2018

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Pivot Points and the Legacy of Leadership
BY STEPHEN JOEL
Superintendents should recognize the defining moments they hold for standing up for beliefs in public schooling.

• Laurie Kimbrel: Post-superintendency career changing

When No. 2 Is Best
BY MERRI ROSENBERG
Superintendents take a step down the leadership ladder and find the fit suits them just fine.

• Jane Stavem: Why the No. 2 spot makes sense

Job Hopping Losing Its Stigma?
BY PAUL RIEDE
Is there a greater willingness of school boards today to tolerate short superintendent terms? It all depends on the situation.

The Changing Nature of Superintendent Searches
BY HANK GMITRO
Four prevailing trends today, as identified by the president of search firm Hazard Young Attea.

• Stephanie Hyder: In-state expertise of consultants

What Candidates Look for in a Board
BY HANK GMITRO
A veteran search company executive outlines the factors to be considered in a hiring body when superintendents make a career move.

• Jeff Rose: Applying one’s criteria in a job search

Moving Into Private School Leadership
BY CHARLES W. HOOTS
When a retired central-office administrator became a headmaster, he discovered a keen need for contractual assurances to perform without interference.

STARTING POINT
Superintendents’ career transitions share similarities with business CEOs.

STATE OF THE SUPERINTENDENCY
Confidence in the Board
What superintendents think of their board members’ knowledge of K-12 education, according to a Gallup survey.

BEST OF THE BLOGS
Four excerpts from leading blogs maintained by superintendents.

ETHICAL EDUCATOR
Pay Your Way To Play
What’s our panel suggest about a basketball coach who uses his off-season club for his school team’s tryouts?

SOCIAL MEDIA
Tweeting for Legislative Advocacy
BY JOHN A. SKRETTA
Through his Twitter account, a superintendent has built a valuable network to reach constituents and policymakers to influence pro-public schooling legislation.

LEGAL BRIEF
Hiring in the Age of Social Media
BY JOY S. BASKIN
A veteran school attorney’s do’s and don’ts when it comes to conducting online searches about job applicants.

BOARD-SAVVY SUPERINTENDENT
Advancing Through Board Work Sessions
BY RANDY L. RUSSELL
Finding growth opportunities for board members beyond the glare of regular public meetings.

MY VIEW
Encouraging Students’ Productive Struggles
BY JENNIFER GREIF
When a student says, “You are making my brain sweat!” educators are offering academic challenges that aren’t measured in state reports.

MY VIEW
One-Hit Wonders
BY KIRK KOENNECKE
It can be annoying when a school leader heads to a state conference and returns with “the formula” for guaranteed success.

Reading & Resources

• Book Reviews
• Why I Wrote This Book...
• Abstract
• Bits & Pieces

 

  

PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Wanted: Super Men and Women
BY GAIL PLETNICK
Celebrating individuals who lead the enterprise of public schools.

EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE
Gratifying Despite the Job’s Demands
BY DANIEL A. DOMENECH
AASA’s part in prepping newcomers to thrive in the role.

INSIDE AASA
Sasha Pudelski on Legislative Advocacy
Speaking for association members on Capitol Hill.

PEOPLE WATCH
A monthly compilation of AASA members on the move.

PROFILE: Kenneth Spells
BY JULI DOSHAN
South Bend’s superintendent grew up in sports-mad Carolina.