Management tasks and functions of school district superintendents

Purpose. The purpose of this research study was to determine superintendent management tasks and functions that are necessary to effectively and efficiently manage school district financial resources, human resources, and physical resources. This study provided important data that supports and adds to the body of knowledge relating to school management tasks and functions of school superintendents. Specifically, this study helped establish a clear picture of the "daily" management role of small, medium, and large school superintendents by studying the following school management functions: (a) financial management, (b) facility management, (c) personnel management, (d) student personnel and special services, and (e) support services.; Method. Numerous data were collected from 625 superintendents of public school districts in Texas. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the respondents, as well as classify and rank superintendent involvement with 36 management tasks in five school management functions. Causal-comparative statistics were utilized to determine the differences from the level of involvement in school management among responses of small, medium, and large school district superintendents.; Findings. Causal-comparative statistics revealed 87 significant differences of superintendent involvement according to school district size. First, superintendent involvement in financial management revealed 24 significant differences among superintendents of small, medium, and large school districts. Subsequently, there were 11 significant differences among superintendent respondents in facility management. In addition, the study of superintendent involvement in personnel management revealed 27 significant differences. Furthermore, there were 18 significant differences among superintendent respondents in student personnel and special services. Finally, superintendent involvement in support services revealed seven significant differences in responses.; Descriptive methods revealed that financial management was the most important area of school management for superintendents, followed by personnel management which was ranked second. The third most important management area was student personnel and special services followed by facility management which ranked forth. Respondents ranked support services last of the five management areas.