This document outlines the goals, calendar, and topics for a WSU Superintendent Program cohort from 2009-2011. The program aims to help participants prepare for and secure superintendent positions. The calendar covers resume preparation, understanding the hiring process from a school board perspective, researching vacancies, applying, interviewing, and contract negotiation. An overview provides statistics on recent superintendent openings and hires in Washington, including turnover rates, gender percentages, and average applicant numbers by district size. Participants are encouraged to update their resumes and placement files, and identify recommenders for future applications.

1. WSU--Pursuing the Position
WSU Superintendent Program
2009-11 Cohort
Prepared by Gay Selby

2. Goals
• To assist you in your preparation for securing
the position of Superintendent of Schools
• To assist you in distinguishing yourself as a
candidate for the position of Superintendent
of Schools

3. Calendar and Topics
• (August) Overview
• (September) Preparing Your Resume,
Placement File and Obtaining Letters of
Recommendation
• (October) What the Process Looks Like from
the School Board’s Perspective
• (November) Researching the Vacancies and
the Positions

4. • (January) Analyzing the Vacancy
Announcement and Submitting Your
Application
• (February) Preparing for Your Interview
• (March) Negotiating Your Contract
• (April) Transition Planning and Assuming the
Position

5. August
• Overview
– Superintendent changes for 2010-11

6. Washington Superintendents
2010-11
• 42 New Superintendents (14% turnover)
– 3 positions filled by females (7 %); 11 in 09-10
– Deer Park, Mabton, Napavine
– 2 positions filled by out of state candidates
– Federal Way, Bellingham
• 295 School Districts (275-285 Superintendents)
– 228 male superintendents (77%)
– 67 female superintendents (23%)
– National Average (21.7%)
• 9 ESD Superintendents
-- 1 new superintendent (ESD 105)
-- 1 female superintendent (ESD 112)

7. Number and Percent of Superintendent
Openings for Washington, 2005-2010
• 2005 (50 openings, 18%)
• 2006 (37 openings, 13%)
• 2007 (57 openings, 20%)
• 2008 (48 openings, 17%)
• 2009 (50 openings, 18%)
• 2010 (42 openings, 14%)

8. Number of Openings and Average Number of
Applicants by District Size, 2010
Less than 500 Students (12 openings/average number of applicants 12)
500 – 1000 Students (10 openings/average number of applicants 16)
1001 – 3000 Students (10 openings/average number of applicants 14)
3001 – 5000 Students (3 openings/average number of applicants 17)
5001 – 10,000 Students (4 openings/average number of applicants 16)
10,000 – 20,000 Students (1 opening/average number of applicants 15)
Over 20,001 Students (1 opening/average number of applicants 16)

9. Number and Percent of Female Superintendents
in Washington by District Size, 2010
• Less than 500 (24/37%)
• 500 – 1000 (7/10%)
• 1001 – 3000 (12/18%)
• 3001 – 5000 (7/10%)
• 5001 – 10,000 (8/12%)
• 10,001 – 20,000 (7/10%)
• Over 20,001 (1/3%)

10. Cougar Superintendents
2010-11
• 130 current superintendents (including ESD’s)
• 43% of current superintendents (including
ESD’s)
• Represented in each county

11. For September
• Dust off your resume and update it
– What is a resume?
– Pro’s and Con’s of Placement File
– Purpose and Focus of Letters of Recommendation
• Meet with your superintendent for the purpose of discussing his/her “operating
protocols” or “operating principles” with the board of directors. (Bring copy and be
prepared to discuss.)
– What process was used to develop this document?
– How often is it reviewed?
– Is it formally adopted by the board?
– How is it “operationalized”?
– Does your superintendent find the protocols/principles useful?

12. What is a Resume?
(public document)
• Answers the question “what” ?
– What is your career goal
– What schools you attended
– What degrees/certificates you hold
– What places you have worked/positions you have held
– What are your responsibilities (optional, be selective, use verbs, only positions “that
contribute”)
– What professional organizations you belong to and what leadership roles you have held
– What community groups you belong to and what leadership roles you have held
– What awards you have received
– What articles you have authored
– What ________________________

13. Reminders About Resumes
fits the position for which applying
• well organized and easy to read (adequate
white space)--professional appearance
• be truthful!!!!
• proofread carefully--watch dates
• white paper--professional and best for duplicating as necessary
• most recent first for education and experience information
• list personal address, phone numbers, and e-mail address (not
business)

14. • references--list on separate sheet as do not
want these included when duplicated for
distribution

15. Pro’s and Con’s of Placement Files
• Pro’s
– Historical archive
• Con’s
– Can become dated if not attended to regularly

16. Purpose and Focus of Letters of
Recommendation
• Helps reader get a more complete picture of you as a candidate
• Address specific required requirements and/or experiences desired by
the district
• Be selective as to who you ask to do a letter of recommendation--
need at least two current school board members; select good writers
who will invest in the effort
• Be clear with those writing letters of recommendations as to what you
want them to focus on--provide a current resume and writing points if
needed and clarity as to when needed
• Must be current letters--be dated

17. Assignment for October
Interview the Board President/Chair about the work of the
board and its expectations of the superintendent
Update your resume and bring 8 copies to the seminar; send
resume to University Supervisor for feedback
Review your placement file (if you have one)
Create a list of persons you would seek a letter of
recommendation from when applying for a superintendent
position

18. October
• What the Process Looks Like from the School
Board’s Perspective