Superintendents', business leaders', and board chairmen's expectations of the superintendent in the area of local economic development

The recent wave of reports on educational reform specify that school/business, collaboration is the key to improved education and to successful economic growth. The reports also call for leaders in business and education to work together to improve education and local economic development. In making this recommendation, these reports have neglected the realization that it is not a traditional expectation of the superintendent to be involved in local economic development. In an attempt to clarify for the contemporary superintendent his role in the area of local economic development, leaders in education and businesses were contacted to determine the direction for the superintendent. This study attempted to clarify the superintendent's role by asking (1) business leaders their expectations of the superintendent as a leader in local economic development, (2) superintendents their own perceptions of responsibilities in economic development, and (3) school board members their expectations of the superintendent as a leader in local economic development. The results of this study emphasize, for the school superintendent, what is expected in the area of economic development as perceived by leaders in education and business.;This comparative study, conducted by utilizing the Delphi method of communication, examined these perceptions of school board chairmen, local business leaders, and superintendents as to the role of the superintendent in local economic development. By responding to an open-ended question, the monitor teams listed a number of expectations of the superintendent. These expectations fell basically into five different categories: (A) Cooperate with other local agencies and local government; (B) Cooperate with established and prospective businesses; (C) Public relations; (D) Insure quality schools with focus on economic development; (E) Local community involvement and awareness.;The role of the school superintendent is in a period of transformation, as education is in an era of reform. While it is clearly mandated that leaders in business and education should cooperate, the superintendent's role in economic growth is not so clearly defined. This study has considered the neglected role of the superintendent related to economic growth. The results of this study will contribute to research in the area of school boards redefining the role of the school superintendent.