Superintendent Tenure and Turnover in Texas: 1990–2015

• In Event: Park Central Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Complexities of Managing Human Capital in School Districts

Abstract

In this study, we examine superintendent turnover for 25 cohorts of superintendents in Texas from 1990 through 2015. Using descriptive statistics and discrete time hazard modeling to identify the survival rates of newly hired superintendents and the factors associated with turnover. Specifically, we find that the average length of stay is between four and five years, with rural and urban superintendents experiencing slightly shorter spells than suburban or city superintendents. Further, we find superintendents of color and female superintendents are more likely to leave their initial position, thus have shorter lengths of tenure. We find few district characteristics associated with tenure other than locale and status measures of achievement. Finally, salary is negatively associated with turnover.

Authors

• Ed Fuller, The Pennsylvania State University

• Liz Hollingworth, University of Iowa

• Andrew Pendola, Auburn University