The shortage of administrators within New England and recommendations aimed at alleviating that shortage are documented. In late 1987, the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) Board of Directors conducted the first regional survey of the New England administrative shortage issue. Sixty individuals (current and retired superintendents, principals, department chairpersons and career development professionals at higher education institutions, as well as other educational administrators) were interviewed over a 2-month period. Ninety-seven percent reported that there was some problem in filling either superintendent or principal positions or both. Fifty-seven percent felt the problem was severe. The interviews also generated a list of 22 possible reasons for the administrator shortage. Concerns related to fiscal issues, role expectations, school board supply, and support received very strong responses as important factors in the shortage. Recommendations were developed at the seminar and are presented along with implementation steps. Appended are a table of survey factors ranked in descending order and a list of references. (SI)