Divisive Concepts and the Superintendency: Exploring a New Wave of Contentiousness in K–12 Educational Leadership

• In Event: Research on the Superintendency SIG Paper Session: Culture, Relationships, Divisiveness, and Strategies

Abstract

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, K-12 school systems continually find themselves in the middle of a heavily contentious battle waged by conservatives and liberals over what should and should not be taught in schools. Faced with an already difficult and stressful job, K-12 superintendents are receiving significant pushback from both parties. With the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic still lingering, superintendents must lead new initiatives to make up for lost learning, manage reduced or thinned budgets, and continue day-to-day operations all while navigating demanding and often hostile external forces stemming from the divisive concepts battle.

Authors

• Johnathon Jerman, University of Tennessee

• Rachel Sue White, University of Texas at Austin

• Joel R. Malin, Miami University (OH)

• Michael P. Evans, Miami University (OH)