Counsel for Superintendents When Parents Have the Answers

Superintendents with current or past experiences leading well-to-do school communities recently shared their practical strategies for leading effectively in such environments

Leading a school district with high wealth can bring its own set of distinctive challenges. Superintendents with current or past experiences leading well-to-do school communities recently shared their practical strategies for leading effectively in such environments.

 Build on what already exists initially instead of trying to make your own mark right away, says Fran Rabinowitz, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents. “There’s a temptation to bring in the ‘magic wand’ program rather than building on the curriculum and direction that’s already there.”

 Find a mentor who can show you the ropes and surround yourself with a strong staff, says Randall Booker, superintendent of the Piedmont Unified School District in California. “The team you have around yourself makes you or breaks you.”

 Be a good listener, says James Harvey, executive director of The Superintendent’s Roundtable. “Spend more time listening than spouting off.”

 Communicate and then communicate more, says Judith Ferguson, former superintendent in Hopewell Valley, N.J. “You must have expert communication and PR skills. You can’t survive in those communities without that.”

 Make sure to connect with a wide range of stakeholders, says Joshua Starr, executive director of PDK International and former superintendent in Montgomery County, Md. “Be very strategic about meeting with different groups and … creating opportunities for connections.”

 Develop emotional intelligence, says Gary Plano, former superintendent of the Mercer Island School District in Washington. “You need to have a high level of emotional intelligence to be assessing how your messages are being received.”

 Don’t over-generalize or stereotype your school community, says Betty Sternberg, former superintendent in Greenwich, Conn. “There are people of goodwill who share your values.”