School superintendents hold some of the most challenging, yet satisfying, positions in American society. Many times, the human element largely determines the effectiveness and success of a school system, and that element is the subject of this text. The volume claims that the extent to which all school personnel perform competently is influenced by the superintendent's leadership. The text focuses on the school superintendent as an individual and as an educational leader. The book is organized into three parts. Part 1 centers on the challenges facing the school superintendency today and in the future. It discusses the evolution of the position and the many challenges that grew with the job. Some of the forces that weigh on the school superintendency, the increasing need for futuristic planning strategies, governance policy, and legal considerations are covered in part 2. The last section focuses on the specific responsibilities of the school superintendent, with an analysis of the complexity and comprehensiveness of the superintendent's role. Emphasis is placed on fiscal management, the planning of educational facilities, curriculum and instruction, work with employee groups, human resources administration, the student personnel program, and relationships with the school district. (Includes an index.) (RJM)