Factors influencing the underrepresentation of women in the role of superintendency as perceived by selected school board members and superintendents of school districts in Region XX, Education Service Center in Texas

Abstract

School board members, superintendents, and assistant superintendents from Region XX, Education Service Center in Texas were surveyed to examine their perceptions regarding the underrepresentation of women in the role of superintendency. Individual t-tests were performed and frequency data were utilized to obtain group means. When compared, the administrative group indicates that there is a significant difference (p<0.05) between genders. Female administrators cite concerns with factors hindering their career advancement to the superintendency. Research findings of this study included: 1. Data from this study reveal women's concerns with limited time for career mobility, career aspirations being placed behind family responsibilities, and family commitments being a priority to career advancement. 2. Data from this study suggest that women have concerns with factors they encounter with mentors, networking systems, sponsorship, and support systems within their organizations. 3. Results reveal that women have inexperience in fiscal matter compared to men. Fiscal matters are a major concern and a priority for both school board members and administrators. 4. Results indicate that females are capable of performing the superintendent job duties. 5. The results indicate that women are their own worst critic and rate themselves lower than their male counterparts.

The following are recommendations for further study: 1. Further statistical study on in-depth interviews of current female superintendents could be conducted related to barriers encountered during their superintendency in all Education Service Center Regions in Texas. 2. Critical analysis could be made on the actual selection process of the superintendency for several districts within the Education Service Center Regions in Texas. 3. Further research studies could be conducted of networking and mentoring systems already in place. These kinds of studies can add to the review of literature as to their effectiveness in assisting women in administration.