A New Supervisor With a New Agenda: A Principal Ponders Political Options and Risks. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Derrington, Mary Lynne; Larsen, Donald
• Is Part Of: Journal of cases in educational leadership. Volume 18:Number 4(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 317
• Page End: 329
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: supervisor -- principal -- work–life balance -- interest groups -- conflict; Educational leadership -- Periodicals; Educational leadership -- Research -- Periodicals; 371.2011
• DOI: 10.1177/1555458915606769
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1555-4589

Abstract

A tenured respected principal learns that supervisory relationships with staff are only one side of the leadership coin. The other side turns up when a new assistant superintendent is assigned as his supervisor. Problems are imminent when the supervisor seems ready to usurp the principal's traditional decision-making authority. The principal, as the subordinate in this scenario, ponders the role of loyalty and team play versus the political implications of supervisory conflict and pressure from a parent interest group. Questions guide current and aspiring principals to reflect and consider the facets of establishing a relationship with a new supervisor and resolving practice-related conflicts. Activities are designed for reflecting on the pitfalls and possibilities open to a principal under pressure from the supervisor, band parents, reallocated resources, and his own struggle with fair and appropriate treatment of a valued teacher he has known throughout his high school career.