Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify leadership strategies utilized and the barriers encountered by females in pursuit of the role of superintendent. This study also intended to identify the strategies women used to overcome these barriers. Methodology. This study utilized descriptive research. Descriptive research involves gathering data that describe events and then organizing, tabulating, depicting, and describing the data collected. Descriptive studies are aimed at finding out "what is," so observational and survey methods are frequently used to collect descriptive data. This study gathered data from a sample of female superintendents in the state of California, from April 16, 2012, through April 30, 2012. Findings. The key findings were derived from the data collected from a survey instrument entitled Strategies and Barriers Faced by Female Superintendents. Female superintendents rated (a) a strong determination to always to put the best interest of children first, (b) the number one barrier as breaking down the "Good Old Boy Network," (c) lack of role models as the number one barrier to overcome, and (d) the most important strategy to utilize on the path to superintendency as communication. Conclusions. It is concluded that communication, collaboration, and vision are critical to the leadership strategies of successful women superintendents. Recommendations: It is recommended that a study be conducted that focuses on personal support systems. What are systems that contribute most to the development and success of women as leaders? With 54% of the respondents in this study holding the title of superintendent for 5 years or less, a study of the support systems that are in place for new superintendents would be beneficial.