A Case Study In a Superintendent's Leadership Under Duress

This case study explores a superintendent¿s leadership during financial crisis. It is imperative that new superintendents have a body of research and specific case studies to review to see how other superintendents were able to manage and mitigate crises in similar areas they may face. In the particular case studied, a superintendent took over a district with a newly identified deficit, an expired teacher contract and a poor reputation with stakeholders. The qualitative study allowed for an analysis of the superintendent¿s leadership traits and actions that are needed in crisis. Data included interviews, memos and primary source documents. Findings showed a need for a leader with high competency and integrity. New leaders can learn that while it may appear directive decision-making is required in crisis, in this case successful changes came through soliciting feedback and a level of collaboration and compromise. It is evident further research is needed to validate findings of this case study to help shed light on what superintendents can do to mitigate crisis.