Purpose: The aim of this paper is to examine the research literature on decision making and identify and develop a set of heuristics that work for school decision makers. Design/methodology/approach: This analysis is a synthesis of the research on decision-making heuristics that work. Findings: A set of nine rules for swift and smart decision making was identified to facilitate and improve day-to-day decision making in schools. Practical implications: The rules are proposed as ways for administrators to respond rapidly to problems without sacrificing quality or efficiency in the process. Originality/value: The inquiry identifies a set of heuristics for decision making that are not well-known in the literature in educational administration.