Study of the American Superintendent: 2015 Mid-Decade Update
Today, AASA, The School Superintendents Association, released
the Study of the American Superintendent:2015 Mid-Decade Update to follow up on The
American School Superintendent: 2010 Decennial Study, a comprehensive study
on the demographics, background and experiences of American school
superintendents.
This year’s report includes a supplementary section on
gender and the superintendency. Some of the report’s key findings include:
- The pattern of an aging superintendency
continues from the 2010 study; one-third of superintendents plan to retire
within five years.
- While increases have been made throughout the
years, females only make up 27 percent of the superintendency, up only 2
percent from 2010. This stands in direct contrast to the female-dominated
teaching force.
- Superintendents most often see politics as
inhibiting their performance, with school board members, staff and community as
the greatest contributors.
- Career satisfaction remains high; over 80
percent of present superintendents would choose to be a superintendent again.
This number is lower for female superintendents, at 78 percent.
A summary of findings is available here. Members can access the full report here.
Any questions can be directed to me at lfinnan@aasa.org.