School Administrator: September 2021
Superintendent Turnover
Thought Leadership Series: A Conversation with Jon Gordon
The ninth installment in our Thought Leadership Series features an interview between Jon Gordon, author of The Power of Positive Leadership, and Jill Siler, associate executive director for professional learning for the Texas Association of School Administrators.
An Impossible Position
BY CARL A. COHN
What’s the state of the superintendency after a year of extreme pressure on those leading their communities’ schools during the volatility of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Reversing Course During a Pandemic
BY SCOTT RIDLEY
A candid account by a New Jersey superintendent on his experience changing the decision to close school buildings after listening to his community.
So You Want to Relocate?
BY GLENN “MAX” MCGEE
An executive search firm head on the changing landscape for school boards eager to find an experienced leader and superintendents considering next moves.
Don’t Be Shy: This Interview Opener Is All About You
BY TERRY B. GRIER
Pointers from a long-term superintendent on nailing the deceptively simple interview question, “Tell us a little about yourself.”
The Seven R’s of Collaborative Leadership
BY NATHAN D. QUESNEL, ROBERT M. VILLANOVA AND MARK D. BENIGNI
Lessons from the impact of the pandemic to help boards and school leaders prioritize teaching and learning jointly.
STARTING POINT
Marking a disruptive moment of wholesale movement in the leadership ranks.
STATE OF THE SUPERINTENDENCY
Spousal Impact
What changes did superintendents’ spouses make to accommodate the demands of the district leader’s job?
BEST OF THE BLOGS
Four pithy excerpts from recent blog posts by AASA members.
ETHICAL EDUCATOR
The Queue for Vaccinations
What position should a state superintendents’ association take on prioritizing school districts with the neediest students to receive COVID-19 vaccinations for staff?
LEGAL BRIEF
The Legal Frontier of Native American Team Names
BY DAVID B. RUBIN
Being on the right side of the law when it comes to the use of school sports mascots and nicknames.
BOARD-SAVVY SUPERINTENDENT
Ways for a Board to Show Its Accountability
BY KAREN RUE
How superintendents can support school boards in demonstrating their oversight role.
SOCIAL MEDIA
School Finance 101 in Four Short Videos
BY KEVIN D. PHILIPPS
Step-by-step visuals inform the public on a school district’s spending plan.
MY VIEW
Navigating the Vitriol Over Critical Race Theory
BY DOUGLAS B. REEVES
Educators can sustain respectful debate by sticking to the facts of history.
MY VIEW
Contributing My Rural Voice From the Field
BY MELISSA A. SADORF
An Arizona superintendent’s take on her unique experience as a yearlong U.S. Department of Education fellow.
Paving a Long-Term Path to Sustainability
BY NANCY L. WAGNER
A superintendent on the importance of informing the public about district plans for capital spending.
Reading & Resources
- Book Reviews
- Abstract
- Bits & Pieces
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Rebuilding a Sense of Belonging
BY PAUL W. IMHOFF
Rebounding from pandemic fatigue to focusing on continuous improvement of schools.
EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE
The Regrettable Losses to Our Profession
BY DANIEL A. DOMENECH
AASA’s executive director reflects on the prevailing circumstances leading to forced career moves and retirements.
Our monthly record of AASA members’ comings and goings.
PROFILE: Noreen Bush
BY JACQUELINE HYMAN
The superintendent in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, exemplifies the power of hope and a positive attitude.
READER REPLY