February 2026: School Administrator
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Staff
Editor's Note
Modeling Top Transitions
Welcome to the February 2026 issue of School Administrator, spotlighting the crucial topic of transitions in the top leadership of school systems. The movement of superintendents can bring fresh perspectives to schooling, but they also can be disruptive to the effective initiatives and operations already well settled.
Our contributors delve into the complexities of superintendent transitions by showcasing some genuine models for establishing continuity among those outgoing and incoming. You can read a fascinating dialogue between the two individuals involved in that handoff of leadership in the Canon City, Colo., school district moderated by a former superintendent.
There’s also Quintin Shepherd’s wisdom on purposeful transitions from someone who has spent time in five districts’ superintendencies over the years and other excellent articles on this theme by Paul Freeman, Elizabeth Dampf and Max McGee.
And, off-topic, don’t overlook the second installment of our magazine’s newly launched AI Applied column, this one crafted by superintendent Amy Alzina on her use of artificial intelligence tools for strategic communication.
We hope you, our readers, will find something of value and always welcome your feedback.
Jay P. Goldman
Editor, School Administrator
703-875-0745
jgoldman@aasa.org
@JPGoldman
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