Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which superintendents indicate that conflict with one or more members of the board of trustees was a factor in their leaving their previous superintendency. The study also sought to (a) determine the functional areas of responsibility where conflict between the superintendent and board members most often occurred; (b) to identify and analyze the type of conflict involved; and (c) to analyze the degree of conflict based upon the size and type of school district, the urbanity/rurality of the community as well as the gender, age, and experience of the superintendent. Methodology. In Phase One, a mail out survey was used to gather biographical/demographical information as well as ask two questions regarding the degree of conflict and frequency within five function areas. One hundred and seventy-five superintendents met the criteria for the survey. Of the 134 responding, 42 superintendents indicated a high degree of conflict and received a personal telephone interview in Phase Two of the study. Each respondent was asked to discuss who was involved and what were the issues regarding the most important conflict. Findings. It was determined that gender, age, type of district, size of district, urbanity/rurality, and the experience of the superintendent were not statistically significant factors in the superintendent leaving his/her district. An analysis of the five functional areas revealed significantly more conflicts occurred in the area of Personnel than in Public Relations, Curriculum/Instruction, or Finance. There were also significantly more conflicts in Collective Bargaining than in the areas of Public Relations, Curriculum/Instruction or Finance. Conclusions and recommendations. Personnel and Collective Bargaining generate the highest frequency of disagreement between superintendents and trustees. The majority of conflicts referred to were Boundary and Interpersonal. Superintendents and trustees should institute district retreats for the purpose of establishing procedures for dealing with conflict between themselves. A study should be conducted on the impact of special interest groups and how they influence boards of trustees in decisions regarding personnel and collective bargaining.