ARTICLE
School superintendents play a crucial role in shaping education, yet their tenures can be fleeting. The job has always been challenging, requiring an understanding of education policy, business acumen, and skillful community engagement. However, the constant pressure and intense scrutiny that often comes with being the public face of a school district in today's education landscape may be making the position less appealing. According to the Indiana School Boards Association, 51% of school superintendents in the State of Indiana have turned over since the COVID-19 pandemic. Common reasons why school superintendents leave include: Political and governance issues. Conflicts with educators, parents, and school boards can make the position untenable. Management and workload challenges. Superintendents may struggle to manage budgets, personnel, and transportation, leading to burnout. Pressure and expectations. Criticism from community groups, media, and state and local officials may drive superintendents away. New opportunities. The executive experience gained on the job can make them attractive candidates for positions in the private or non-profit sectors. Still, serving as a school superintendent can be a very rewarding career for several reasons: Leadership role. Superintendents lead a team of dedicated educators and staff, empowering them to provide high-quality education. Collaboration. The position offers opportunities to work with school board members, employers, and community leaders to develop long-terms plans that improve outcomes, culture, and operations. Student success. Seeing students achieve their goals is a deep source of joy and fulfillment. Legacy. The work often leaves a lasting legacy in the community, benefitting future generations. ISBA is currently advising the Liberty-Perry School Corporation on its superintendent search and recently concluded superintendent searches for Clinton Central School Corporation, Franklin County Community School Corporation, North Newton School Corporation, and South Dearborn Community School Corporation Questions about ISBA's superintendent search services should be directed to ISBA Director of Board Services Steve Horton at shorton@isba-ind.org. School superintendent and school administrator job postings may be found on ISBA's website at https://www.isba-ind.org/indiana-vacancies.html. ### Adam VanOsdol ISBA Communications Specialist/Content Strategist avanosdol@isba-ind.org
School superintendents play a crucial role in shaping education, yet their tenures can be fleeting.
The job has always been challenging, requiring an understanding of education policy, business acumen, and skillful community engagement.
However, the constant pressure and intense scrutiny that often comes with being the public face of a school district in today's education landscape may be making the position less appealing.
According to the Indiana School Boards Association, 51% of school superintendents in the State of Indiana have turned over since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Common reasons why school superintendents leave include:
Political and governance issues. Conflicts with educators, parents, and school boards can make the position untenable.
Management and workload challenges. Superintendents may struggle to manage budgets, personnel, and transportation, leading to burnout.
Pressure and expectations. Criticism from community groups, media, and state and local officials may drive superintendents away.
New opportunities. The executive experience gained on the job can make them attractive candidates for positions in the private or non-profit sectors.
Still, serving as a school superintendent can be a very rewarding career for several reasons:
Leadership role. Superintendents lead a team of dedicated educators and staff, empowering them to provide high-quality education.
Collaboration. The position offers opportunities to work with school board members, employers, and community leaders to develop long-terms plans that improve outcomes, culture, and operations.
Student success. Seeing students achieve their goals is a deep source of joy and fulfillment.
Legacy. The work often leaves a lasting legacy in the community, benefitting future generations.
ISBA is currently advising the Liberty-Perry School Corporation on its superintendent search and recently concluded superintendent searches for Clinton Central School Corporation, Franklin County Community School Corporation, North Newton School Corporation, and South Dearborn Community School Corporation
Questions about ISBA's superintendent search services should be directed to ISBA Director of Board Services Steve Horton at shorton@isba-ind.org.
School superintendent and school administrator job postings may be found on ISBA's website at https://www.isba-ind.org/indiana-vacancies.html.
###
Adam VanOsdol
ISBA Communications Specialist/Content Strategist
avanosdol@isba-ind.org