Factors which influence second level, female administrators in Arizona to apply for superintendencies

The school superintendency is the highest and most powerful administrative position in the public school system. It is a position that has been and continues to be dominated by white, middle-aged men. While women dominate the education profession overall, they have failed to obtain the Superintendent's position in large numbers. The intent of this study is to identify factors that influence second level, female administrators in the state of Arizona to apply for superintendencies.;A one-page questionnaire was mailed to 206 women across the state. Disaggregation of the responses narrowed the participants in this study to 26. Oral interviews were conducted with all participants. The identified factors that influence women in this study are not dissimilar to factors that have inhibited women from as early as the 1900s with one noted exception, politics.;The conflict of balancing a personal and professional life weighs heavy on women. Societal expectations have not changed significantly in that regard. There are still discriminatory practices related to gender which women perceive hinder their consideration. The position of school Superintendent is a highly political position that hangs on the balance of elected officials: school board members. Women are not willing to step out and take the risk associated with the position. The maternal nature of women to be nurturing, caring and supportive individuals leads them to believe they can be more effective in second-level positions.;District size, stability of board members and the ability to make a difference are factors that positively influence women to apply for the position of public school Superintendent.