Gaining access to the superintendency: Headhunting, gender, and color

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine superintendent search and selection practices in terms ofequityforfemales and people of color. Gatekeeping and career mobility theories are used to inform this case study of one of the largest and most diverse states in the nation, New York. Findings illustrate how particular elements of school board and head-hunters'routine practices, the professional norms of school administration, and dominant ideological and sociocultural values combine to facilitate the access ofnonminority males and limit the access of others to the superintendency.