The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of quality of life among Illinois male and female superintendents, and to determine demographic differences. Frisch's Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI) was used, which measured perceived levels of importance, satisfaction and weighted satisfaction (importance and satisfaction) in sixteen different life areas, including: health, self-esteem, goals/values, money, work, play, learning, creativity, helping, love, friends, children, relatives, home, neighborhood and community (1994). A demographic survey developed by the researcher was also administered. The study sought to answer the following four questions: (1) What are the perceptions of quality of life among female and male superintendents? (2) How do superintendents differ in the perceived importance they place on sixteen different areas of quality of life by gender and by demographics? (3) How do superintendents differ in the perceived satisfaction they place on sixteen different areas of quality of life by gender and by demographics? (4) How do superintendents differ in the perceived importance and satisfaction (weighted) they place on sixteen different areas of quality of life by gender and by demographics? A total of 868 school districts were identified in the state of Illinois, and with some superintendents overseeing multiple districts, a 40.1% return rate was realized, with a total of 341 returns, 87 from female and 254 from male superintendents. Statistical procedures, including t-tests and ANOVAs, were utilized to determine statistical significance. Female superintendents scored higher mean scores in their perceived levels of weighted satisfaction than their male counterparts in 13 of 16 life areas, but scored lower in the life areas of money, play and love. A theme, the lack of time, was reported by both sexes in many of the life areas as a drawback to the position. Contrary to the researcher's prediction, a higher percentage of female superintendents recorded an overall quality of life classification of "high", based on their composite scores on the QOLI; due to the large effect size between gender and quality of life classification, more females reported they were satisfied with their perceived quality of life than their male colleagues. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]