An examination of selected job factors that influence New York State rural school superintendents to voluntarily exit their superintendency

The purpose of this study is to determine what job factor categories and what specific job factors within those categories contribute to the decision of New York State rural school superintendents to voluntarily exit their superintendency. This topic merits study because effective schools literature has shown that administrative leadership is important for school success. Additionally, there is concern that a superintendent shortage is occurring in K-12 schools nationally and in New York State. Rural schools in particular, typically have more difficulty attracting applicants and retaining superintendents. Thus, policymakers and Boards of Education should be concerned about the intentions of current rural school superintendents.; This study collects demographic data, information about the career intentions of NYS rural school superintendents, and information about the job factors that contribute to their decision to exit a rural school superintendency. This study uses an integrated theoretical framework based on turnover models in general and the literature on superintendent turnover in particular.; The survey was mailed to all NYS rural school superintendents. Two hundred twenty-six of the possible three hundred four superintendents participated by completing and returning the survey. Descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance tests were used to analyze the data collected.; The five factors which NYS public rural school superintendents perceive would contribute to their decision to exit are: (a) desire to increase impact on students' lives; (b) educational philosophy more compatible with new school board; (c) management style more compatible with new school board; (d) excessive job related stress; and (e) desire to experience new challenges. The key findings of this study include: (a) rural school districts appear to experience unique challenges which contribute to a superintendent's decision to voluntarily exit their position; (b) limited district financial resources shape many district decisions; and (c) the superintendent - Board of Education relationship is crucial.