What Superintendents Read

What Superintendents Read
by James M. Merrins, Ed.D.

(These are my thoughts; my reading list. You may want to discuss this topic with others superintendents.)

The Superintendent must keep up with the changes in education, as well as with changes in the society and community environment that could affect education. It is important to have a regular pattern of reading.

1. Keep daily and long range (weekly) reading piles, and read the things in them.

2. Tear out subject matter articles and keep them in files by topic, such as "Negotiations," "Student Discipline," "Bus Accidents," and "Board/Superintendent Relations." These are important sources to reread when you come up against a problem.

3. Copy articles of importance and share them with administrators, staff, or board members (it models – lets them know you read and share, encourages them to read and share).

4. Put articles and publications on a ‘reading route’ to key people who would be interested or who would benefit from the articles and publications.

The following is a basic reading list for the superintendent:

Regular (faithfully)

Local Newspaper (daily)
Regional Newspaper (daily)
Regional Business Newspaper (as published)
National Weekly News Magazine (Time or Newsweek)
Councilgram (NYSCOSS)
ASBO Reporter (NYSASBO)

Scan and Read (as appropriate)

The Kappan (Phi Delta Kappa)
The School Administrator (AASA)
American School Board Journal (NSBA)
Educational Leadership (ASCD)
School Business Affairs (ASBO)
Education Week