Behind the Curtain: Tackling the Myths and Mistakes of School Management

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Superintendents hold a significant position in school systems. In serving the school board, community, staff and students simultaneously, a superintendents role is dynamic and multifaceted. In realizing that the stability of a school system is set by the guidance of the superintendent, the need to attract quality personnel is apparent. However, did you know that the average tenure of a superintendent is less than five years (AASA) With such fluctuation, school districts are consistently facing change. And although change can be righteous in some instances, variations in leadership can cause distress and anxiety for those who look to deliver upon a stable mission and vision. Behind the Curtain: Tackling the Myths and Mistakes of School Management is a down-to-earth, practical guide for educators to assist them with the pitfalls that can be associated with upper management. The Hidden Superintendent explores complex issues of power, control and motivation to expose their direct and indirect influence upon us. The hope is superintendents and central office will be able to utilize this text as a learning experience when facing both the common and complex issues. Some additional key features of this book include: Discover Thinking Patterns. This text looks to discover thinking patterns that underlay the work and then provide a clear, practical approach for not only the issue at hand, but the great thinker behind the issue. In addition, the text also lends itself to college classrooms, as it has the case studies and situations to spark critical conversation. Practical. Behind is a practical approach to leadership theory. Each chapter has a Practical Advice section which provides solid guidance for future use. Research-Based. The roots of the text are cemented in the works of Fienberg and Soltis (Schools and Society), Edward Halls Levels of Culture, Clabaugh and Rozyckis educational foundations, Hertzbergs motivation theory and Maslows hierarchy of needs. Interactive. Behind has case studies for each chapter, which are meant to kindle conversation surrounding the topic. Furthermore, the sections Try It and Dont Try It give further testimony to the practical application of the information Can be utilized for college classes. The text also lends itself to college classrooms, as it has the case studies and situations to spark critical conversation

Reviews

""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, AASA, The School Superintendents Association; former school superintendent

""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

Author Bio

Dr. Anthony P. Barber is the Director of Teaching and Learning in the Springfield School District. He is also an adjunct professor at various universities instructing in graduate and undergraduate education and leadership courses. Dr. Barber has written various educational texts with Roman and Littlefield including The Hidden Principalship, The Hidden Teacher and Culture Clichs and Conversations. He is also coauthor of Common Threads: Investigating and Solving School Discipline, a Rowman and Littlefield publication dealing with assisting administrators in handling school discipline issues. Dr. James P. Capolupo is currently the Superintendent of the Springfield School District in Springfield, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. He has been awarded the 2014 National Superintendent of the Year by the National Association of School Superintendents. Dr. Capolupo is also on the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators where he serves as the Membership Chair. He also is on the Professional Development Committee and the Resolutions Committee.