In this article, the author found himself particularly drawn to a book he received in the mail--"Stewardship: Choosing Service Over Self-Interest" by Peter Block. Although the dictionary definition of steward is "one who manages another's property, finances or other affairs," from his vantage point as the first African-American superintendent in the Mississippi capital, his personal experiences related to the stewards of segregation who had carried out their duties to protect the self-interest of a racist society. So it was natural for the title to catch his eye. In the superintendency, however, one quickly learns not to confuse the headline with the article. So it was with the title of Block's book. The author was concerned Block would be promoting life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as a realistic fact of life for all Americans regardless of race, creed, color or socioeconomic status. Stewardship helped him keep a keen sense of fairness and has kept him from being overly judgmental in situations in which race could have become an issue. As a superintendent/CEO, the author could not fully implement Block's stewardship model, but he did create an environment that allowed all staff members to participate in decision making.