Degree Name

EdD (Doctor of Education)

Program

Educational Leadership

Date of Award

December 1992

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if differences exist between the superintendents and the school board chairpersons of Tennessee in regard to the perceived functions and responsibilities of each group. The study also attempted to determine if factors such as age, size of the school district, educational level of the superintendent and the board member, years of service as superintendent or as a board member, the existence of clearly written board policies defining the functions and responsibilities of the superintendent and the school board, and elected versus school board appointed superintendent status had any effect on the perceived functions and responsibilities of superintendents and school boards in Tennessee. The total population of 139 superintendents and 139 school board chairpersons in Tennessee were surveyed over a five week period. The analysis of the data showed there was a significant difference in the perceptions of superintendents and school board chairpersons in the areas of Administration, Finance, Personnel, and a combination of all four Areas of Governance. The demographic factors that affect superintendents perceptions significantly were found in two demographic areas: educational level and elected versus appointed superintendent status. The demographic factors that affect school board chairpersons perceptions significantly were found in two demographic areas: the existence of written policies defining the functions and responsibilities of the superintendent and the school board and elected versus appointed superintendent status. Conclusions of the study indicated the percentages of superintendents and school board chairpersons in Tennessee are very similar in regard age, sex, size of school systems, years in office, length of time the superintendent has served in the present system, systems with policies defining the responsibilities of the superintendent and the school board, and elected versus appointed superintendent status. Superintendents and school board chairpersons were most different in educational level. Superintendents differed significantly with school board chairpersons in three of the four Areas of Governance (i.e., Administration, Finance, and Personnel) as well as the total combined areas. Additionally, further research should be conducted to develop an evaluation instrument for the school board to use in evaluating themselves and the superintendent in relation to the functions and responsibilities of each group.

Document Type

Dissertation - unrestricted

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