The tenure of a typical superintendent is less than 4 years. What should a prospective superintendent know about conducting a job search? This book examines the superintendency from a personal viewpoint and provides in-depth guidance on career strategies and family considerations. Chapter 1 describes the history of the superintendency and the board of education, including their roles and legal authorities, and the tenuous nature of the superintendency. Chapter 2 offers suggestions for searching for a job, applying for a position, interviewing, and contracting for the job. Chapter 3 discusses several types of leadership and decision-making models. Suggestions for developing the administrative team are offered in chapter 4. Chapters 5 through 13 describe strategies for dealing with the board of education and with unions, carrying out effective public relations, playing the business manager role, developing good listening skills, juggling spouse and family responsibilities, dealing with dismissal and job insecurity, and using computer technology in the superintendency. Nine figures, chapter references, and an index are included. Appendices contain information on the old and new superintendencies, site-based management, the health of the school superintendency, and the selection of a technology-network consultant. (LMI)