Personal Problems Affecting the Superintendent

Personal Problems Affecting the Superintendent

Each year we read about a small number of superintendents that find themselves in trouble (fired) because of their actions in their "personal life" that have caused the board/community to act/react. What are some of these actions? Where do they come from?

1. A PERSONAL LIFESTYLE UNACCEPTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY
     - alcohol (DWI) – drugs – adultery

2. FAMILY ISSUE THAT DIVERT TIME/ENERGY AND REFLECT POORLY
     - family illness - problem children – problem spouse

3. MONEY PROBLEMS
     - debt - gambling
     - living beyond means or the community’s means (fancy car, expensive house, etc.)
     - moonlighting (contract violation?)

4. EGO
   - loneliness - lack of a support system - lack of recognition
     - power intoxication
     - comparison to the private sector
               - private money vs. taxpayers money
               - private gain vs. public trust
               - CEO independence vs. public servant

5. CHANGE IN PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY
     - "glad to have" vs. "right to have"

The superintendent must understand that her/his job is the same as a politician (public money) or a pop star – your life is open for public discussion – your personal actions reflect on the school and community – everyone (someone) always sees what you do – everyone knows you – you can not (should not) hide.

Most problems start small. We are unaware of when we first started thinking about ourselves differently, i.e., evolution in imperceptible steps.

- public drinking
- using the telephone for private call or personal business
- adding mileage to expense account
- using employees to do work on your home
- use of district equipment for non-school business

Is it worth it?

Ask yourself two questions -

1. Would I be embarrassed if I had to defend this action (my action) in a public setting?

2. Would I trade this act (gain - service, item, favor) for my professional career (salary, benefits, status)?