Thriving as a Superintendent

Thomas F. Evert, Ph.D. is a former public school superintendent of fourteen years and served as a high school principle and director of student services. His doctorate is in educational psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Evert is currently serving as a doctoral dissertation liaison and teaches doctoral courses in law, media, curriculum, and instruction at Edgewood College. Amy E. Van Deuren, Ed.D. is an assistant professor at National Louis University and serves as the Program Coordinator for Educational Leadership at the Milwaukee, Wisconsin campus. She holds a doctorate from National Louis University and a law degree from the S.J. Quinney School of Law at the University of Utah. She teaches graduate courses in school law, school-community relations, student-centered schools, finance, policy, and research. Dr. Van Deuren has co-authored several books in the fields of educational leadership and music education.

• 1. Overview and Contexts2. The Story of Roberta K.3. The Story of Richard B.4. The Story of Randy J.5. Interview Process, Demographics, and Development of Frameworks6. Lessons Learned Using the Superintendent Experience and Unanticipated Departure FrameworksReferencesAppendixes 1, 2 & 3

I find this book is a must read for superintendents, aspiring superintendents and board members. Boards at some point will experience strained relationships with their leadership, and reading this book creates preparedness for when the turmoil presents itself. As a former school board member who currently serves as a staff member to a search firm, author, and school consultant, I find this book provides a realistic view of what a superintendent encounters when an early departure from the superintendency occurs. 22 superintendents provide significant and extensive insight and advise, at times light-hearted, at times heartbreaking. Either way, this hard to talk about topic is discussed in a way that brings insight and understanding to the reader. Finally — the book boards and leadership need before 'it' happens!