From the cover
The search for superintendents
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Some context
The big picture
What can lead to superintendent vacancies?
The role of a superintendent involves leading the board of trustees, managing the day-to-day opera- tions of running a school system and being a good builder of community, Kazanas said. Some of these responsibilities can look like: • Ensuring the district has the appropriate curricu- lum and academic programs in place • Understanding the school finance system to balance multimillion-dollar budgets • Overseeing the safety and security of students and staff, and the general upkeep of campuses • Establishing community relations and building trust • Having a strong relationship with the board
Kazanas said current superintendent turnover rates in Texas are “pretty close to average” of what is seen every year. With 1,100 school districts in the state, turnover rates are typically around the low 100s in a given year—around 10%—but could hit the upper 150s. Superintendent tenure also used to be more of a “revolving door” but has increased through the years, Kazanas said, going from the two-and-a-half- to three-and-a-half- year range to four or five years. “Change is inevitable, and it’s not always necessarily negative,” Kazanas said. “Oftentimes superintendents feel they’ve done what they can in a district … or they also feel like it’s a good opportunity for the district to get new blood, new ideas ... things like that.”
District size: Some superintendents want to take on a larger school system that offers more challenges or responsibilities. Relationship with school board: Elections can bring new board members to the dais that have a different vision for the district than the superintendent. Quality of life: Some superintendents seek an area that offers more opportunities for their spouses or children. Benefits and pay: Larger districts can offer higher compensation packages or more benefits for retirement purposes.
SOURCE: TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
TASB’s superintendent search process
The framework
Local superintendent salaries for 2023-24
Kazanas said TASB’s search process, which Hutto ISD utilized, averages between 90 to 120 days. Not every school board will utilize TASB— some will hire independent firms or conduct the search themselves, he said—but the association has completed over 900 searches to date. Two local school districts recently underwent searches for a new superintendent. The next two pages include details about how Pflugerville ISD and Hutto ISD selected new leaders and what the districts' priorities are moving forward. • Pflugerville ISD, Page 30 • Hutto ISD, Page 31
Post positions on job boards throughout the state and with partner school board associations across the country. Help districts develop a leadership profile with the qualities and qualifications wanted of a superintendent. If requested, conduct in-person community forums to discuss the district’s strengths and challenges, and the personal and professional characteristics wanted of a superintendent. Guide board members through the application review process and how to select which candidates to interview.
Step 1
Number of students
Amount per student
Salary
Step 2
Pflugerville ISD
$343,171 25,297 $13.57
Step 3
Hutto ISD
$204,167 10,035 $20.35
Austin ISD
$315,909 72,830 $4.34
Step 4
Georgetown ISD
$226,770 13,472 $16.83
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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