AASA Releases “The 2025 American Superintendent Study, Mid-Decade Update”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Alexandria, Va. – Dec. 4, 2025 – AASA, The School Superintendents Association is pleased to release comprehensive findings from The 2025 American Superintendent Study, Mid-Decade Update. 

AASA has conducted this member survey since 1971, to provide key insights into superintendent demographics, priorities, and trends across the nation - and how their work shapes public education. 

Some of the key 2025 findings include:

• The modal superintendent was a married, White (64%) male, who was 52.7 years old, prior experience as a principal, with two to eight years of experience being a superintendent. 

• The percentage of female superintendents increased from just 13.1% in 2000 to approximately 30% in 2025. The percentage of women in the top leadership positions in education is well above the roughly 9% of the publicly traded companies that make up the Russell 3000 companies that have a woman in the top position. 

• Top five issues that inhibited the overall effectiveness of superintendents were inadequate financing of schools (62%) federal mandates (52%), insignificant demands on time (47%), social media (38.7%), and state politics (38%). 

• 89.4% of superintendents were satisfied or very satisfied in their job, slightly less than the 92% in 2020. 

• 91% of superintendents felt somewhat or very supported by their communities, a modest decline from 95% in the 2020 study. 

• More than two-thirds (67%) of all superintendents now engage their communities in advisory or planning activities on at least a monthly basis. 

• Political polarization has intensified pressures on superintendents, particularly around issues of CRT, DEI, SEL, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. 

• Although almost two-thirds of superintendents reported at least considerable stress in their role, close to 90% expressed job satisfaction - nearly half would choose to be a superintendent if they were starting over. 

Leaders are navigating unprecedented pressures around finance, staffing, safety, and politics, all while remaining steadfast in their commitment to the growth and well-being of every student. The work has never been easy, but it has never been more important. 

The final study sample included 1,095 complete responses from 49 states. The majority of respondents worked in rural districts, 56%, and suburban districts, 25% and approximately 70% of the respondents worked in districts with fewer than 3,000 students. Approximately 60% of respondents worked in districts with between 300-2,999 students, similar to national demographics related to enrollments.

“The data from 2025 confirms what many of us have seen firsthand - the role of superintendent has grown more complex, demanding, and multifaceted than ever before. Leaders are navigating unprecedented pressures around finance, staffing, safety, and politics, all while remaining steadfast in their commitment to the growth and well-being of every student. The work has never been easy, but it has never been more important,” said Executive Director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association, David R. Schuler. 

Researchers Sonya Douglass, Courtney Gibbs, Shawn Joseph, Nicoisa Jones, Ann LoBue, Jennifer Timmer, Christopher Tienken, and Rachel White worked on The 2025 American Superintendent Study, Mid-Decade Update. 

For further information, or to schedule an interview with one of the researchers or a superintendent about the study, contact Lara Wade at (813) 833-1498 or via email at lwade@aasa.org. 

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About AASA   
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.