From Surviving to Thriving

From Surviving to Thriving: Resources and Practical Strategies for New, Aspiring, and Veteran Superintendents provides key actions and behaviors superintendents can use to be successful in their role. This text takes a topical approach, with each chapter dedicated to one key aspect of the superintendency. Included in this book are simple, easy-to-implement strategies that serve as a guide to support the leadership and development of any aspiring, new, or veteran superintendent. Key elements of the superintendent role are included and expanded upon. Focused chapters include: superintendent and school board relations, instructional leadership, budget development, relationship building, personnel management, communication strategies, developing and accessing a network of support, and leading through crises. Each chapter articulates one critical area that should be mastered in order to flourish in the superintendency. This text is written and designed to be brief and easy to read for the busy superintendent. Each chapter offers specific advice, strategic approaches, dos and don'ts, and useful strategies to ensure the success of a school superintendent as we navigate the complexities of the role.

Rich Drolet, EdD, has served as Superintendent of Schools in Seekonk, Massachusetts, since 2018. Prior to becoming superintendent, he was a district-wide curriculum director, principal and assistant principal at the middle level, and teacher at the middle and elementary levels.

Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1 - Welcome to the Superintendency Chapter 2 - Keep the Focus on Kids! Chapter 3 - Making New Friends Chapter 4 - Show Me the Money! Chapter 5 - Relationship Building Chapter 6 - The Joys of Personnel Management Chapter 7 - Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Chapter 8 - I Need Help! Chapter 9 - The Sky is Falling Chapter 10 - Pulling It All Together About the Authors