Changing districts? How to prepare the next superintendent for the job

If you’re one of many superintendents preparing to change districts this upcoming school year, or you’re retiring, you’re probably considering how best to support the next superintendent to fill your shoes. Here’s some advice from one departing superintendent: plan when you’re not currently in transition.

Starting July 1, Thompson School District Superintendent Marc Schaffer will hand over the reins after seven years with the district to lead the Community High School District 128 in suburban Chicago, Illinois. During his tenure with Thompson Schools, he’s increased the district’s graduation rate from 80% to over 90%, boosted early literacy rates and prioritized career and technical education, among other achievements.

Now, nearly one month away from his departure, Schaffer is making sure the district’s transition to their next leader, Bret Heller, is “turnkey.”

“We’re having weekly conversations and identifying what he needs to know,” Schaffer says. “These are recurring issues. These are priorities. I’m compiling digital files and resources to make sure that it’s turnkey when he comes.”

He also says he’s doing the necessary reconnaissance for him by speaking to the district’s principals, district leaders and board members to learn what improvements can be made and how Heller can tackle those issues before day one.

“I’m introducing him to chambers, government entities and district partners,” Schaffer says. “And of course, I’m standing ready to answer the questions and provide the resources he needs.”

The district is also in the process of hiring new employees, and Schaffer is giving Heller the opportunity to make those hires himself to ensure he has a hand in choosing his leadership team.

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Answering questions, facing challenges

Like any leader entering a new district, Schaffer says Heller’s questions come not from a lack of understanding, but genuine curiosity about the school system.

“He’s been very open to learning and listening, and I’m trying to share with him what we’re currently working on in terms of current priorities, the needs of the district and the community,” Schaffer says.

Apart from answering questions, Schaffer is also working with the school board to make sure everything to do with the current school year is “wrapped up” and things are resolved before his departure. This includes anything to do with the budget, illuminating current initiatives and strategies, and making clear what the district’s goals are to eliminate and guesswork for Heller come July 1.

However, some challenges are inevitable in the superintendent transition process. Firstly, Schaffer recommends starting the search as early as possible.

“It’s an aggressive and ambitious time seeking out the very best, and I feel like we have that in our new superintendent,” says Schaffer. “But certainly, I would recommend as early a search process as possible with clear transition planning in place.”

Another unexpected hurdle, Schaffer adds, is the impact the current housing market has on leaders moving away to new districts.

“It’s not insurmountable, but the calendar is making things complex,” he says. “He’s finishing up his year across the country and then having to transition here. Housing is tough, and I think that creates some challenges, too.”

Advice for leaders

Superintendent turnover is inevitable, considering attrition rates sit around 38% as of the 2023-24 school year, data from The Superintendent Lab suggests. Schaffer recommends treating superintendent transitions like an ongoing process.

“Don’t just wait for a retirement or a transition announcement,” he says. “I would say the easiest time to plan for a transition is when you aren’t facing one. Having either success or transition planning, I think, is really important.”