The Superintendent's Planner

A Monthly Guide and Reflective Journal
Gloria L. Johnston - Independent Consultant
Rene S. Townsend - Consultant
Gwen E. Gross - Superintendent, Irvine Public Schools, Irvine, CA
Margaret A. Lynch - Consultant
Lorraine M. Garcy - Retired Superintendent, Educational Consultant
Benita B. Roberts - Visiting Angels of Riverside County
Patricia B. Novotney - Retired Superintendent, current Associate Professor at University of La Verne, CA
The Superintendent's Planner
October 2008 | 152 pages | Corwin
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ISBN: 9781452280455
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ISBN: 9781412961097
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Description

"I do not believe I have ever seen a guide that is so practical and current. I particularly liked the advice on communications, celebrations, board relationships, and community involvement. Those are the kinds of interpersonal gestures and activities that go beyond just following a checklist and are critical to the success of new and experienced superintendents."
—Brenda S. Dietrich, Superintendent
Auburn-Washburn School District, Topeka, KS

A practical planning tool with concrete tasks and tips for new or experienced superintendents!

Written by seven outstanding superintendents, this reflective calendar and planning journal helps superintendents address day-to-day concerns while keeping student achievement in perspective throughout the year. The authors give administrators a structured, goal-oriented look at the work ahead and highlight opportunities for organizational leadership.

Practical and hands-on, this planner takes superintendents from July through June and provides checklists, activities, and templates to foster responsibility, efficiency, and effectiveness. The authors present issues for reflection and action that include:

  • Maintaining effective communication
  • Monitoring program, curriculum, and achievement objectives
  • Building relationships within the educational community
  • Developing the budget
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Planning ahead, establishing new goals, and facing unexpected events and challenges

The Superintendent's Planner offers beginning and veteran district leaders a fresh perspective and invaluable support for an increasingly complex and demanding role.

Contents

Preface

Preface

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

  • 1. Welcome to the Superintendency
  • Introduction
  • About the Book
  • From Us
  • 2. July and August: Reflecting and Getting Ready for the New Year
  • Organizing and Preparing for the Year
  • Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family
  • Ensuring Schools Are Ready to Open
  • Reviewing Board Policies
  • Focusing on the Year Ahead
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 3. September and October: Starting Smoothly and Settling In
  • Opening Year Communication
  • Staff Evaluation
  • School Board Elections
  • Showing Up
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 4. November and December: Checking In and Celebrating Progress
  • Solidifying Board Relationships
  • Building Positive Board Communication
  • Monitoring the Current Budget
  • Monitoring Programs and Student Achievement Data
  • Assessing Facility Needs
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 5. January and February: Taking Stock and Planning for Next Year
  • Developing a Long-Range Plan
  • Budget Forecasting for the Next Year
  • Reviewing the Curriculum and Establishing Goals
  • Communicating New Focus Areas and Priorities
  • Sharing the State of the District
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 6. March and April: Staying Focused and Facing Challenges
  • Budget Planning
  • Planning for Facility Upgrades
  • Targeting Personnel Actions
  • Monitoring Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Testing Plans
  • Planning Board and Leadership Team Workshops and Retreats
  • Advances
  • Begin Evaluation of Administrative Staff
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 7. May and June: Wrapping Up and Celebrating
  • Budget Adoption
  • Reviewing New Staff Hiring
  • Superintendent Evaluation
  • Debriefing With Board Members
  • Scheduling Attendance at Year-End Events for You and the Board Members
  • Planning Time for Handling Difficult Issues
  • Finalizing Summer Activities
  • Finalizing Plans for Next Year's Pre-Opening Activities
  • Reviewing the District Media and Communication Plan
  • Completing Summative Evaluations of the People Who Report to You
  • Preparing the Internal Meeting Calendar for Board and Senior Staff
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 8. The Routine and Expected
  • Planning, Leading, and Attending to Meetings
  • Monitoring for Accountability
  • Establishing Relationships and Building Community
  • Building Internal Leadership Capacity
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 9. Crises, the Unexpected, Caveats, and Musings
  • The Unexpected
  • But Then, There Are the Wonderful Things
  • A Word About You

Resource A: School Site Inspection

Resource A: School Site Inspection

Resource B: Site Readiness Inspection Sheet

Resource B: Site Readiness Inspection Sheet

Resource C: Summary of School Inspections

Resource C: Summary of School Inspections

Resource D: Key Actions Checklist

Resource D: Key Actions Checklist

Resource E: Custodian School Inspection Sheet

Resource E: Custodian School Inspection Sheet

Resource F: Playground Inspections

Resource F: Playground Inspections

Resource G: Portable Building Inspections

Resource G: Portable Building Inspections

Resource H: Human Resource Annual Calendar

Resource H: Human Resource Annual Calendar

Resource I: Meeting Schedule

Resource I: Meeting Schedule

Resource J: Administrator Evaluation Form

Resource J: Administrator Evaluation Form

Resource K: Administrator Evaluation Process

Resource K: Administrator Evaluation Process

Resource L: Budget Guidelines

Resource L: Budget Guidelines

Resource M: Budget Calendar

Resource M: Budget Calendar

Resource N: Planned Priorities

Resource N: Planned Priorities

Resource O: Organization Chart

Resource O: Organization Chart

Resource P: Information for Board Members

Resource P: Information for Board Members

Resource Q: School District Responsibility Chart

Resource Q: School District Responsibility Chart

Bibliography

Bibliography

Index

Index

Additional materials

Description

"I do not believe I have ever seen a guide that is so practical and current. I particularly liked the advice on communications, celebrations, board relationships, and community involvement. Those are the kinds of interpersonal gestures and activities that go beyond just following a checklist and are critical to the success of new and experienced superintendents."
—Brenda S. Dietrich, Superintendent
Auburn-Washburn School District, Topeka, KS

A practical planning tool with concrete tasks and tips for new or experienced superintendents!

Written by seven outstanding superintendents, this reflective calendar and planning journal helps superintendents address day-to-day concerns while keeping student achievement in perspective throughout the year. The authors give administrators a structured, goal-oriented look at the work ahead and highlight opportunities for organizational leadership.

Practical and hands-on, this planner takes superintendents from July through June and provides checklists, activities, and templates to foster responsibility, efficiency, and effectiveness. The authors present issues for reflection and action that include:

  • Maintaining effective communication
  • Monitoring program, curriculum, and achievement objectives
  • Building relationships within the educational community
  • Developing the budget
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Planning ahead, establishing new goals, and facing unexpected events and challenges

The Superintendent's Planner offers beginning and veteran district leaders a fresh perspective and invaluable support for an increasingly complex and demanding role.

Contents

Preface

Preface

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

  • 1. Welcome to the Superintendency
  • Introduction
  • About the Book
  • From Us
  • 2. July and August: Reflecting and Getting Ready for the New Year
  • Organizing and Preparing for the Year
  • Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family
  • Ensuring Schools Are Ready to Open
  • Reviewing Board Policies
  • Focusing on the Year Ahead
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 3. September and October: Starting Smoothly and Settling In
  • Opening Year Communication
  • Staff Evaluation
  • School Board Elections
  • Showing Up
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 4. November and December: Checking In and Celebrating Progress
  • Solidifying Board Relationships
  • Building Positive Board Communication
  • Monitoring the Current Budget
  • Monitoring Programs and Student Achievement Data
  • Assessing Facility Needs
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 5. January and February: Taking Stock and Planning for Next Year
  • Developing a Long-Range Plan
  • Budget Forecasting for the Next Year
  • Reviewing the Curriculum and Establishing Goals
  • Communicating New Focus Areas and Priorities
  • Sharing the State of the District
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 6. March and April: Staying Focused and Facing Challenges
  • Budget Planning
  • Planning for Facility Upgrades
  • Targeting Personnel Actions
  • Monitoring Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Testing Plans
  • Planning Board and Leadership Team Workshops and Retreats
  • Advances
  • Begin Evaluation of Administrative Staff
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 7. May and June: Wrapping Up and Celebrating
  • Budget Adoption
  • Reviewing New Staff Hiring
  • Superintendent Evaluation
  • Debriefing With Board Members
  • Scheduling Attendance at Year-End Events for You and the Board Members
  • Planning Time for Handling Difficult Issues
  • Finalizing Summer Activities
  • Finalizing Plans for Next Year's Pre-Opening Activities
  • Reviewing the District Media and Communication Plan
  • Completing Summative Evaluations of the People Who Report to You
  • Preparing the Internal Meeting Calendar for Board and Senior Staff
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 8. The Routine and Expected
  • Planning, Leading, and Attending to Meetings
  • Monitoring for Accountability
  • Establishing Relationships and Building Community
  • Building Internal Leadership Capacity
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 9. Crises, the Unexpected, Caveats, and Musings
  • The Unexpected
  • But Then, There Are the Wonderful Things
  • A Word About You

Resource A: School Site Inspection

Resource A: School Site Inspection

Resource B: Site Readiness Inspection Sheet

Resource B: Site Readiness Inspection Sheet

Resource C: Summary of School Inspections

Resource C: Summary of School Inspections

Resource D: Key Actions Checklist

Resource D: Key Actions Checklist

Resource E: Custodian School Inspection Sheet

Resource E: Custodian School Inspection Sheet

Resource F: Playground Inspections

Resource F: Playground Inspections

Resource G: Portable Building Inspections

Resource G: Portable Building Inspections

Resource H: Human Resource Annual Calendar

Resource H: Human Resource Annual Calendar

Resource I: Meeting Schedule

Resource I: Meeting Schedule

Resource J: Administrator Evaluation Form

Resource J: Administrator Evaluation Form

Resource K: Administrator Evaluation Process

Resource K: Administrator Evaluation Process

Resource L: Budget Guidelines

Resource L: Budget Guidelines

Resource M: Budget Calendar

Resource M: Budget Calendar

Resource N: Planned Priorities

Resource N: Planned Priorities

Resource O: Organization Chart

Resource O: Organization Chart

Resource P: Information for Board Members

Resource P: Information for Board Members

Resource Q: School District Responsibility Chart

Resource Q: School District Responsibility Chart

Bibliography

Bibliography

Index

Index

Additional materials

SAGE Publishing Logo

The Superintendent's Planner

A Monthly Guide and Reflective Journal


October 2008 | 152 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 01/02/2026 9781412961097 $37.95
Hardcover 01/02/2026 9781412961080 $79.95
Lifetime 01/02/2026 9781452280455 $35.00

"I do not believe I have ever seen a guide that is so practical and current. I particularly liked the advice on communications, celebrations, board relationships, and community involvement. Those are the kinds of interpersonal gestures and activities that go beyond just following a checklist and are critical to the success of new and experienced superintendents."
—Brenda S. Dietrich, Superintendent
Auburn-Washburn School District, Topeka, KS

A practical planning tool with concrete tasks and tips for new or experienced superintendents!

Written by seven outstanding superintendents, this reflective calendar and planning journal helps superintendents address day-to-day concerns while keeping student achievement in perspective throughout the year. The authors give administrators a structured, goal-oriented look at the work ahead and highlight opportunities for organizational leadership.

Practical and hands-on, this planner takes superintendents from July through June and provides checklists, activities, and templates to foster responsibility, efficiency, and effectiveness. The authors present issues for reflection and action that include:

  • Maintaining effective communication
  • Monitoring program, curriculum, and achievement objectives
  • Building relationships within the educational community
  • Developing the budget
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Planning ahead, establishing new goals, and facing unexpected events and challenges

The Superintendent's Planner offers beginning and veteran district leaders a fresh perspective and invaluable support for an increasingly complex and demanding role.


Table Of Contents:

  • Preface
  • Acknowledgments
  • About the Authors
  • 1. Welcome to the Superintendency
  • Introduction
  • About the Book
  • From Us
  • 2. July and August: Reflecting and Getting Ready for the New Year
  • Organizing and Preparing for the Year
  • Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family
  • Ensuring Schools Are Ready to Open
  • Reviewing Board Policies
  • Focusing on the Year Ahead
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 3. September and October: Starting Smoothly and Settling In
  • Opening Year Communication
  • Staff Evaluation
  • School Board Elections
  • Showing Up
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 4. November and December: Checking In and Celebrating Progress
  • Solidifying Board Relationships
  • Building Positive Board Communication
  • Monitoring the Current Budget
  • Monitoring Programs and Student Achievement Data
  • Assessing Facility Needs
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 5. January and February: Taking Stock and Planning for Next Year
  • Developing a Long-Range Plan
  • Budget Forecasting for the Next Year
  • Reviewing the Curriculum and Establishing Goals
  • Communicating New Focus Areas and Priorities
  • Sharing the State of the District
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 6. March and April: Staying Focused and Facing Challenges
  • Budget Planning
  • Planning for Facility Upgrades
  • Targeting Personnel Actions
  • Monitoring Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Testing Plans
  • Planning Board and Leadership Team Workshops and Retreats
  • Advances
  • Begin Evaluation of Administrative Staff
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 7. May and June: Wrapping Up and Celebrating
  • Budget Adoption
  • Reviewing New Staff Hiring
  • Superintendent Evaluation
  • Debriefing With Board Members
  • Scheduling Attendance at Year-End Events for You and the Board Members
  • Planning Time for Handling Difficult Issues
  • Finalizing Summer Activities
  • Finalizing Plans for Next Year's Pre-Opening Activities
  • Reviewing the District Media and Communication Plan
  • Completing Summative Evaluations of the People Who Report to You
  • Preparing the Internal Meeting Calendar for Board and Senior Staff
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 8. The Routine and Expected
  • Planning, Leading, and Attending to Meetings
  • Monitoring for Accountability
  • Establishing Relationships and Building Community
  • Building Internal Leadership Capacity
  • Speaking From Experience
  • 9. Crises, the Unexpected, Caveats, and Musings
  • The Unexpected
  • But Then, There Are the Wonderful Things
  • A Word About You
  • Resource A: School Site Inspection
  • Resource B: Site Readiness Inspection Sheet
  • Resource C: Summary of School Inspections
  • Resource D: Key Actions Checklist
  • Resource E: Custodian School Inspection Sheet
  • Resource F: Playground Inspections
  • Resource G: Portable Building Inspections
  • Resource H: Human Resource Annual Calendar
  • Resource I: Meeting Schedule
  • Resource J: Administrator Evaluation Form
  • Resource K: Administrator Evaluation Process
  • Resource L: Budget Guidelines
  • Resource M: Budget Calendar
  • Resource N: Planned Priorities
  • Resource O: Organization Chart
  • Resource P: Information for Board Members
  • Resource Q: School District Responsibility Chart
  • Bibliography
  • Index

Recent Product Reviews:

1. Month to Month guide provides students with a format to complete their own portfolios.2. Easy to read.
Professor Mireille Singh, Educational Admin Dept, National University
An excellent planner for superintendents, but I had already chosen several books for this class. I will seriously consider it in the future, however.
Dr Gregory Hicks, Leadership, Policy, and Adult and Higher Education, North Carolina State University
"A concise resource that can serve as a reference for the new superintendent as well as a refresher for the seasoned superintendent. Information is presented in a chronological fashion rather than by theme, so the book serves as a great planning tool to integrate with the board of education annual calendar."
Dan Lawson, Superintendent, Tullahoma City Schools, TN
"A thoughtful contribution of the utmost importance for district planning as well as a guide for how the superintendent effectively leads the organization. This book provides rationale and examples that help administrators perform at a higher level."
Douglas Hesbol, Superintendent, Laraway CCSD #70C, Joliet, IL
"Without a doubt, this book will be a treasure for any new superintendent! It's a perfect ‘bible’ for the beginning superintendent. I wish I had this at my side when I first began."
Marie Blum, Superintendent, Canaseraga Central School District, NY

Recommendations