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A forthcoming book by two professors who study educational leadership, C. Cryss Brunner of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Margaret Grogan of the University of Missouri- Columbia, examines the perceptions and experiences of women superintendents.
Included in the book is a survey to which about 1,300 female superintendents and other top central-office administrators responded. The book will be published by Rowman & Littlefield.
| WOMEN SUPERINTENDENTS | Women of Color | White Women |
|---|---|---|
| Secured the job of superintendent within a year of searching | 40% | 51% |
| Felt that the tendency of school boards not to actively recruit women was an important or somewhat important factor in finding a job | 86% | 73% |
| Perceived a mid-management career ceiling | 87% | 67% |
| Believe they were hired to be change agents | 41% | 25% |
| Lack of professional networks was a barrier for them | 84% | 69% |
| TOP CENTRAL-OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS (including superintendents) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Women in central-office positions aspire to the superintendency | 50% | 37% |
| Saw discriminatory hiring practices as a major problem in limiting opportunity | 61% | 20% |
| Were hired by school boards that included at least one person of color | 69% | 23% |
| Felt the lack of professional networks was a barrier | 91% | 64% |
| Believed that a general lack of mentors was a problem for them | 86% | 69% |
