TY - JOUR TI - A longitudinal analysis of New Jersey school superintendents, their professional profiles and career paths DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T33R0R4H PY - 2014 AB - This longitudinal study highlights changes to the demographics of the superintendency for the 15 year period from 1996 through 2011 and career paths of those New Jersey superintendents in position in 2011. The findings are for all districts in New Jersey as well as contextually based on the districts’ geographic locations, socioeconomic standings, and school configurations. The purpose of the study is to provide thought provoking findings and stimulate research of administrative leadership in education. Demographically, the most significant change during the 15 year period is the number of female superintendents. From 1996 until 2011, the percentage of female superintendents rises from 13% of all New Jersey superintendents to 28%. Socioeconomically, the largest increases in female superintendents occur in the two highest socioeconomic groupings. Average annual salaries rise from $100, 912 in 1996 to $167,905 in 2011 for New Jersey superintendents. When separated by gender, in 1996, the average salary for women is 6% less than the average male salary. In 2011 female superintendents earn 7% less. Racial/ethnic minority superintendents earn more than the average annual income for all superintendents for the entire length of the study, from a 9% differential in 1996 to 12% in 2011. While the career paths for the New Jersey superintendency typically move through the education system, from teacher to principal to assistant superintendent. A second career path appears to be emerging with 18% of the 2011 superintendents recruited from outside the New Jersey educational system. Superintendent movement between districts and out of the system impacts districts through high turnover rates. While statewide tenure for superintendents averages at five years, in the context of district grade configurations, the average tenure for superintendents in k-12 and k-8 districts drops to 2.7 years and increase to 7.5 years for superintendents in special school districts. Socioeconomically, average tenure for the poorest and two wealthiest socioeconomic groups (DFG A, I, J) is at 2.7 years. KW - Educational Administration and Supervision KW - School superintendents--New Jersey--Longitudinal studies KW - Academic achievement--New Jersey--Longitudinal studies LA - eng ER -