Superintendent Turnover in New Mexico: Why They Stay and Why They Leave

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Fifteen
  In Roundtable Session: Research on the Superintendency SIG (#97) Roundtable: Supervision, Identity, Retention, and Justice (Table 8)

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study with regression analysis was to measure if and to what degree there was a relationship between public school superintendent turnover rates in New Mexico and demographic, board of education, and superintendent characteristics. A 100 question survey served as the study’s data collection instrument. New Mexico’s School Board Association and Coalition of Educational Leaders partnered with the researchers. Sixty-five (65 or 73%) practicing New Mexico superintendents participated in the study. The majority of superintendents planned to leave their positions within ten years. Study participants reported high urgency regarding student achievement, finance, and staff recruitment and retention. Most felt supported by their school boards and effective in their roles.

Authors

• Rod Rock, New Mexico Highlands University
  Presenting Author

• Sheree Ann Jederberg-Audet, Emirates College for Advanced Education
  Presenting Author