Part 1 of a three-part report on fringe benefits in the schools, this study focused on 1977-1978 fringe benefits provided for school superintendents. Data were collected through a survey instrument mailed to a national sample of 1,877 public school systems. Data on leave provisions, group insurance programs, professional liability insurance, retirement plans, severance pay, tuition, reimbursement provisions, and payment of professional organization membership dues are presented. Additional information concerning payment of transportation and conference expenses, provisions for serving as a professional consultant outside the school system, and physical examination benefits are reported. Also, such basic data as superintendent's salary, contribution to a tax-sheltered annuity fund, and length and terms of present employment, as well as details on annuity policies provided by the school board, individual life insurance policies, expense account provisions, and payment of membership dues in civic and social organizations are included. Information is presented by state and in table form and analyzed by four enrollment groups, five pupil expenditure levels, and eight geographic regions. (Author/JM)