The preparation, recruitment, and retention of California schoool district superintendents

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the preparation, recruitment, and retention of California school superintendents of schools. The efforts of this study focused on obtaining information and insight from current superintendents, school board members, and executive search firm consultants in order to obtain precise insight into the superintendent position for aspiring superintendents. This study was guided by three research questions: ❧ 1. How have training programs and experience prepared superintendents for the complexities and challenges of the superintendency? ❧ 2. What are the perceptions of current successful superintendents and school boards regarding the strategies used to help the current superintendent to attain his or her position? ❧ 3. What are the perceived strategies that support the retention of superintendents? ❧ The researcher utilized quantitative and qualitative data to answer the three research questions. The quantitative data was collected through two surveyed groups; the qualitative data was collected through six interviews that consisted of three current California superintendents of school districts, two school board members, and an executive search firm consultant. Nine themes emerged from the data. The findings suggested that the key components in preparing an individual for the superintendency is for the candidate to experience various positions in education. This study serves to inform aspiring superintendents regarding the preparation, skills, and relationships that will support their transition to the superintendency. Public education school boards will be informed regarding the insights that help them to recruit better candidates into the superintendency and to maintain a positive relationship with their superintendent. Executive search firm consultants will be informed on strategies to recruit candidates into the position.