Recent research on the historical and political influences affecting the relationship between local school boards and superintendents is summarized and discussed in this paper. Following a brief summary of the historical development of the superintendency in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the author contrasts the opposing viewpoints of Callahan and Tucker and Zeigler regarding the actual balance of power between boards and superintendents. Callahan believes the evolution of superintendencies has provided boards and superintendents with a system of checks and balances while still giving citizens a voice in the schools. Tucker and Zeigler see instead a lack of balance, rising superintendent dominance, and a loss of citizens' power. The paper next examines the status of superintendents today. It cites Zeigler and Jennings book, "Governing American Schools," which concludes that the superintendent is clearly dominant over the school board, and contrasts this view with the positions of Cuban and Boyd, who assert that a variety of political and social factors influence the relative power of superintendents. The author concludes that the local boards themselves are in the best position to decide what role they want to play. (Author/JEH)