Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review“I’ve said many times that a superintendent’s job is one of the hardest jobs in America. Having been a superintendent in four different school systems, I wish I had Behind the Curtain to refer to during that time. Anthony Barber and James Capolupo offer a road map to help solidify a superintendent’s relationship with members of the school board, which is absolutely critical when it comes to the success of the school district. Behind the Curtain is very informative and I would recommend it to any superintendent or any administrator aspiring to become a superintendent.” -- Daniel A. Domenech, Executive Director, American Association of School Administrators
“Behind the Curtain is not only a must for our country’s educators, it should be required reading for every school district board member and every politician in our nation. Capolupo and Barber combine years of real world experience with a rare talent for effectively translating real-life situations into a singular grasp of the unprecedented challenges and demands facing leaders in public school education today.” -- Theresa A. Daem, EdD, executive director, National Association of School Superintendents
“Navigating a fleet of ships in the Indian Ocean is quite complex. Moving the legislators in Washington to agree to comprise is equaling challenging. Leading a school district in today’s world is also filled with complex and unique challenges. Behind the Curtain gives us new perspectives on dealing with complex educational issues through down to earth case studies. This is a must read for today’s educational leaders who need to navigate through some rough waters.” -- Joe Sestak, RADM, USN (Ret) and former Congressman (PA)
This book provides an honest and stunning insight into the superintendency beginning with the importance of securing the position to successfully navigating the treacherous waters which are so important in order to consistently and successfully lead a school district. -- Brett Stanton, Superintendent, Haralson County Schools (GA)
“Behind the Curtain by Dr. Anthony Barber and Dr. James Capolupo, is a must read for school superintendents, aspiring superintendents, and educational professionals. The book is an easy to read document providing guidance for the educator to increase competency and efficiency as well as longevity and stability in often volatile educational environments. The text promotes many of the needed attributes for success including listening and learning from stakeholders prior to leading and how to avoid common pitfalls. Behind the Curtain is a useful tool as we navigate the most important leadership positions in our country.” -- Amy F. Sichel, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, Abington, Pennsylvania, Past-President of AASA, Alexandria, Virginia
In their writing, Barber and Capalupo present a practical look at the position of School Superintendent and present solid suggestions for approaching Central Office Administration with a vision, passion and “know how.” Well linked to relevant research, the authors write in a clear and frank manner and present case studies and “Practical Advice” within each chapter. This is a must read for all central office administrators. -- Joseph E. Gillespie, dean, division of education and human services, Neumann University
Today's complex landscape that confronts school district superintendents is a maze filled with detours and traps that sometimes snares even the most seasoned district leader. Behind the Curtain: Tackling the Myths and Mistakes of School Management provides highly readable, lively, and entertaining real-life lessons that provide a road map, along with highway warning signs, that if carefully followed will provide a safe journey to a successful career as a school district superintendent. It is a must-read for those who aspire to serve school district superintendents and new superintendents alike. -- Jim Buckheit, executive director, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators
Table of ContentsContents Disclaimer Forward Preface Acknowledgments Introduction PART I: BEFORE WE BEGIN Chapter 1: “The Legs Feed the Wolf” PART II: PLANNING THE MOVE Chapter 2: Say When Chapter 3: Matching Ties…The Interview Process Chapter 4: The Dime of the Deal…The Contract PART III: FINDING THE STRIDE Chapter 5: Three Months Prime Chapter 6: Magellan’s Magical Mission Chapter 7: Active Ears PART IV: ASSISTING THE BOARD Chapter 8: Your Route; Their Car Chapter 9: Which Stone to Turn? Chapter 10: Planning the Wedding PART V: BUILDING THE TEAM Chapter 11: Our Primary Function – Hiring Great Leaders Chapter 12: Culture, Clichés, and Conversations Chapter 13: Play to Their Strengths PART VI: LIVING THE LIFE Chapter 14: Dinner for One Chapter 15: Where’s Mom? Chapter 16: Balanced by Courage PART VII: AVOIDING THE TRAPS Chapter 17: “Et tu, Brute?” Chapter 18: Bean Stalk Talk – Other Superintendents Chapter 19: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know PART VIII: LEAVING THE LEGACY Chapter 20: An Elephant’s Dispatch Chapter 21: Go Wide, My Friend PART IX: PRACTICAL APPROACHES Chapter 22: Try It ·Be Honest ·The Short Executive Summary ·The Early Warning ·Change the Furniture ·Go Last ·Praise Often ·Regularity ·The Personal You ·Trust the Team Chapter 23: Don’t Try It 1.The Careless Correspondence 2.Between Us Girls 3.Lessons from Paul Revere 4.Overselling 5.Getting Too Close 6.Hire for Time’s Sake 7.Hammering the Screw 8.Shadowing the Sun 9.Neglecting Your Health Chapter 24: Case Studies PART: X: DAY TO DAY Chapter 25: Questions from the Field PART: XI: SUMMATION BIBLIOGRAPHY
