A Home Remedy for ‘Controlitis’ by Doug Eadie

Being “authentic” as a leader can be counterproductive if one’s behavior is motivated by negative emotions. One such malady surfaces when the superintendent expresses an intense need to be in command of all situations and relationships, especially when the school board is involved.

Caught in the Middle: Redefined Roles for IT Staff by Josh J. Middleton

How to deal with the awkward position of the technology staff on the flowchart, especially when they are former classroom teachers. It’s not so simple.

Above Grade When Conducting Criminal Background Checks by Suzanne K. Bogdan

What information from the background check of job applicants should preclude employment with the school district? Does your school district have procedures for the use of criminal background reports?

Lessons From a Lost Interview by Judith Palmer

A skilled and personable superintendent was severely disappointed when she failed to advance past the opening round of interviews for a leadership vacancy. What went wrong? In the end, she found she was her own worst enemy!

A Mystery Shopper in the Public School Market by Edward D. Gagnon

Word-of-mouth communication will perpetuate negative bureaucratic stereotypes about public school systems, something that can be prevented if school personnel view the school as a customer-service-driven business.