On Leadership: Superintendents must be willing to take the heat

A superintendent's role is often less about doing the work of educating all students than about creating conditions that enable others to do that work. This is especially true when it comes to potentially controversial efforts, such as initiatives to improve equity. In those cases, the superintendent must often serve as a buffer, protecting the principals and teachers who are implementing the agenda from those who are likely to object. PDK CEO Joshua Starr explains how superintendents can serve as buffers in the areas of teaching and learning, community engagement, policy, and resource allocation.