Factors contributing to exits from the superintendenency in Indiana

This study provides a demographic profile of former Indiana superintendents who exited during or immediately after the 1997-98 and 1998-99 school years. Exits were defined as leaving the position without returning within two years. The population consisted of 29 individuals, 23 of whom participated in telephone interviews in September and October of 2000. Data concerning the exits of the remaining six individuals were obtained from officials in the districts where the exits occurred. The study also examined perceptions regarding exits and conditions that may have prevented them.The population was predominately male (only one female); the mean age was 58 (none below the age of 50); and 616/6 reported having earned a doctorate. Most (45%) had been employed in districts with enrollments between 2001 and 5000 pupils, while 21% had been employed in large enrollment districts (>5000 students). Immediately after exiting the superintendency, just over 78% started receiving retirement benefits under the state program. Approximately three-fourths of the population (regardless of retirement status) continued to work after exiting, with 70% of this group reporting part-time employment. Among those who continued to work after leaving the superintendency, approximately 53% reported working in education or in an education related field.Reasons for the exits were mixed. The most common were conflict with the school board (27%), other full-time employment (17%), tired of the position (17%), wanted to retire (14%), thought it was time to leave (10%), and personal or spouse illness (10%). Just over 45% reported that nothing could have prevented their exit. The data does not support that the crisis in filling superintendent positions is caused by exits.Findings revealed a much lower exit rate in Indiana than in other states where similar studies were conducted. There was no evidence of mid career exits (before the age of 50) and less than 30% of the superintendent turnover in the state was actual exits. The study includes recommendations for additional research.Department of Educational LeadershipThesis (D. Ed.