Superintendents as Political Operatives: A View From the Front Lines

Abstract

Surprisingly little is known about the preparation of education administrators to handle their inevitable involvement in school levy campaigns. This study investigates the preparation, knowledge, and use of campaign strategies by superintendents. We do this through a survey of school superintendents in three Ohio counties. We find that training relative to political campaigning is severely lacking among superintendents. Instead, most find themselves learning “on the job.” We suggest that greater preparation should be devoted to this unstated requirement that many superintendents ultimately face. Regardless, respondents rely on myriad strategies and show great reliance on professional organizations for assistance in levy campaigns.