| The purpose of the study was threefold. First, the study sought to determine the perceptions that public school superintendents in selected Texas school districts have of the competencies and skills needed for managing a successful school. Second, the study sought to determine the perceptions that school board members in selected Texas school districts have of the competencies and skills needed for managing a successful school district. Finally, the study attempted to identify competencies and skills that might be emphasized within superintendent preparation programs and considered essential for training and supporting successful school superintendents.;Two quantitative and four qualitative research questions were included in the mixed-method study. The population for the quantitative section of the study consisted of 127 Texas superintendents and 55 school board presidents. A separate survey was provided for both school board presidents and superintendents in the Texas public school districts via the Internet. Based on the sample data, the most significant competencies identified were related to integrity; building relationships through communication and collaboration, including an understanding of roles and responsibilities; and creating a vision in a culture of diversity in order to manage successful school districts.;As a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with selected superintendents and school board presidents. The population for this portion of the study included five current Texas superintendents and the five corresponding board presidents. Results of the qualitative data supported the emphasis on communication, collaboration, understanding roles and responsibilities as well as a focus on integrity, trust, and holding firm to a clear vision.;Concerning superintendent preparation programs at the university level, conclusions drawn from the findings of the study suggest that emphasis might be placed on extending finance courses, field based/networking experiences, and capacity for building collaborative relationships between superintendents and stakeholders, specifically focusing on superintendent relationships with school board members. Combined, the findings provide valuable recommendations to improve leadership in the superintendency as well as corresponding leadership positions in Texas for those who read and internalize the findings. |
