Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this case study was to examine six school districts with relatively new superintendents, three of whom were local and three who were cosmopolitan. It studied the orientation of the candidates chosen by the respective governing boards and their early job experiences. This work provided information and data that will be of value in determining future relevance and viability of a broader application of the local/cosmopolitan concept in future superintendent searches. The study included perspectives from the superintendents, members of each of the governing boards, staff members from each district, and community members. Methodology. This study was a qualitative study involving personal interviews. All interview data obtained in each district studied was merged into an individual district data matrix that highlighted early experiences and perceptions against the variables identified in the study. The individual district matrices were then compiled into a composite matrix. Principal findings. Three local and three cosmopolitan superintendents representing six school districts were studied in detail. Each followed a traditional career path to the superintendency--each began as a teacher, advanced to site administrative positions, a principalship or district office responsibilities, and then was selected as a superintendent. All six were seen by constituents as possessing sufficient breadth of knowledge to be effective leaders. Each had been well received and held in moderate to high acceptance in their early job experiences. Their demonstrated political acumen varied markedly and in some of the districts was seen to be a limiting factor in their overall performance. Conclusions and recommendations. The local/cosmopolitan issue was not a significant factor in the success of these superintendents. Each of the six districts was experiencing effective leadership. All six superintendents had a basic understanding of appropriate management skills and practices, although some areas were noted wherein higher-order knowledge could likely account for increased acceptance. Political involvement, and in particular the realization of the importance of maintaining effective political interaction with all district entities and constituencies, was one such need area. The data suggested increased district size carried a demand for elevated levels of political interaction. Additional study organized to include a larger sampling would be useful, possibly utilizing a different methodology to effectively manage the increased data. The size and configuration of districts to be studied should be taken into account and mitigation of those variables studied and planned for. The issues of change-agent effectiveness and the development and utilization of organizational vision should also be considered.