Super Struggle
The superintendency: What used to be a title of prestige is now an undesirable role for those with the talent and certification for leadership.
Superintendents’ tasks vary widely from lobbying the Legislature to driving a school bus, depending on the district. That breadth of work makes hiring and retaining superintendents difficult in Idaho.
This series examines the increasing and unpopular challenges of being a district superintendent in Idaho.
Reporter Emma Epperly spent nine months interviewing and surveying Idaho’s leaders to develop these stories, thanks to a grant from the Education Writers Association.
‘Your job is to truly listen:’ Moscow superintendent manages district vision
EdNews spent a day with Shawn Tiegs, a superintendent in a mid-sized college town.
‘Everybody here wears so many hats:’ Highland superintendent, staff, take on multiple jobs
EdNews spent a day with Tana Kellogg, a superintendent in a small Idaho town.
Idaho superintendent turnover higher than national rate
Since 2019, 71% of Idaho superintendents have quit, retired or taken another job. It’s a financial and cultural cost to the community.
This generation of leaders is being asked to take on even more
Pay, politics and an increased workload are among the reasons educators increasingly opt not to pursue superintendent jobs.