Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify critical leadership skills, attitudes, and experiences that have contributed to the successes of female superintendents according to the perceptions of female superintendents in the public schools in the state of California, as well as themes in their life experiences. Methodology. A combined descriptive, ethnographic, multiple case study research design was used in this study. The research paradigm was two-tiered utilizing both survey/questionnaire and interviews. The sample was eighty-two or 69 percent of the total female district superintendents in the public schools in the state of California. Quantitative data from the survey were analyzed using magnitude estimation to find the geometric mean for each of the sixty-six items on the questionnaire (Hanson 1991). Data led to the nine female district superintendents selected for personal interviews according to the strength of their responses. Responses from the interviews provided qualitative data. Responses from interview questions designed specifically for this study were sorted into domains in order to find themes and patterns. The data were presented in both narrative and tabular form. Findings. Having the ability to lead the board, use power appropriately, motivate others, present a positive image to the public, and be proactive were five skills identified as being the most important as indicated by the geometric mean. Being committed, valuing teamwork, being visible, being people oriented, and being self-confident were the five attitudes that were identified by the respondents as being most important as indicated by the geometric mean. Having prior experiences as principal, as administrator, in district budget development, in curriculum and instruction, and as assistant superintendent were identified as being most important as indicated by the geometric mean. Implications. Results gave insight as to life experiences of the women administrators, their definitions of success, and their perceptions as to the most important skills, attitudes, and experiences for leadership in the superintendency.