Superintendent Exiting in Texas: A Challenge for Rural and Small Districts?, 3(22)

Abstract

Over the three-year period from 1994-1997, there were approximately 1,059 superintendents in Texas. Approximately half, 511 superintendents, left their positions to take another superintendency, take a position other than a superintendency, or for other various reasons. Over the three-year period, 96 (18.79%) superintendents exited, or left their positions to take roles other than that of a superintendent. An analysis of the data revealed that exiting is frequently from small or rural school districts. Interviews with exiters indicated that pushes and pulls from the superintendency included relationships with school boards, enticing opportunities, and personal reasons. These data together with decreasing numbers of applicants in the pool for superintendent vacancies create one more challenge for school districts, particularly those that are rural and small.