School Superintendent: Theory, Practice, and Cases

Kowalski, a former school superintendent and professor of educational administration, outlines the evolution of the school district superintendent position, blending theory and the practicalities of contemporary practice. He defines the position and discusses school district governance and organization, and leadership and management responsibilities. The final chapters address challenges and some personal perspectives on coping strategies and career planning. Case studies augment each chapter. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Theodore J. Kowalski, (Ph.D., M.S., and B.S., Indiana State University) is a former public school teacher, principal, associate superintendent, and superintendent. He has taught at Purdue University and served as professor and director of doctoral programs in educational administration at Saint Louis University. From 1981 to 2000, he was employed at Ball State University, where he was dean of the Teachers College. In 2000, he became the Kuntz Family Chair in Educational Administration, an endowed professorship at the University Dayton.

Professor Kowalski is the author of over 160 professional publications, including 17 books. He is the editor of the Journal of School Public Relations, serves on the editorial boards of two other professional journals, and was editor of the 2001 Yearbook of the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration. He has extensive experience as a planning consultant, speaker, and workshop facilitator. In addition to the superintendency, his primary research interests include organizational behavior, school public relations, and decision theory.