Leadership at a Crossroads: Duval County's search for a new superintendent
4/16/2012

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.
At a glance: Recommendations
• 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.
Links to further reading and resources
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.