Leadership at a Crossroads: Duval County's search for a new superintendent

In this report, we look at a few key issues in the emerging search to replace Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals, who retires at the end of 2012.  
 

As the Duval County School Board begins its search, we look at a few key issues:

• Challenges and opportunities faced by the new superintendent in Duval County;
• Why leadership matters and how it impacts student achievement;
• The characteristics of an effective superintendent; and
• Recommendations as the search moves forward.

 

• Prioritize a track record of turning around low-performing schools.

• Focus on academic achievement and commit to data-driven decision making.

• Look for willingness to embark on collaboration with the community.

• Value sensitivity to needs of diverse communities.

• Hire someone who understands the political nature of the job.

 

Center on Reinventing Public Education. (2003) An Impossible Job? The View from the Urban Superintendent's Chair. goo.gl/n37ur

Council on Great City Schools. (2010) Urban School Superintendents: Characteristics, Salary and Tenure. Washington, D.C. goo.gl/hJnnR

Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning. (2006). School District Leadership that Works: The Effect of Superintendent Leadership on Student Achievement. Denver, CO. goo.gl/ohfEI

The School Administrator. (2009) Leadership Succession and Sustainable Improvement: Promoting stability by distributing duties, networking across district lines and professional coaching of administrator newcomers. goo.gl/ODUFA

The Washington State School Directors Association Superintendent Search Handbook.