Whether they are new to a superintendency or veterans moving to new districts, transitioning superintendents face unprecedented challenges in leading along various fronts, including academics, budget, relationships, and planning. These challenges are derived from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis and recent shifts in the social, cultural, and political environments. Specifically, teacher shortages across the country create challenges as superintendents seek strategies to hire and retain a high-quality and diverse workforce; demographic changes have shifted student enrollment, requiring superintendents to address the needs of a new student population mix; and, directly related to COVID-19, superintendents must focus on reopening schools to in-person instruction, assessing and addressing students’ social and emotional health, addressing unfinished learning, and developing robust budget plans to allocate American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding. Moreover, these current challenges have created politization of schools and polarization of school boards, requiring superintendents to seek new strategies to collaborate with their communities and work with political bodies that have the power to determine their future with the district.
To support this effort, a state professional association of school administrators has partnered with Hanover Research to provide research-based resources to help new superintendents ease their transitions into their new
roles. This research-based superintendent’s guide first focuses on best practices for new superintendents, giving them guidelines to transition to their new roles and to help them better understand their communities, develop plans, and create supporting environments. Next, Hanover presents research and guidance on leading in times of crisis, drawing upon advice and experience of education experts and veteran superintendents. The final section includes guidance on leading in politically charged settings by establishing positive relationships, opening up dialogue with all stakeholders, and building capacity to engage in conflict resolution.
