Humanizing the Superintendency: A Call to Action

In all of our conversations with K-12 superintendents, one theme continues to emerge: the critical need to humanize the role of the superintendent. As the leaders at the helm of our nation’s school districts, superintendents face complex challenges, from navigating political scrutiny to fostering equity and inclusion. But behind the title and the responsibilities lies a simple truth—superintendents are people too. This is the focus of our new podcast series, Build Momentum for Education, where Dr. Susan Enfield, a veteran superintendent and educational leader, shared her insights on the trials, triumphs, and transformative potential of the superintendency.

The Humanity Behind the Title

Throughout her career, Dr. Enfield has been a staunch advocate for humanizing the role of superintendent. She believes that when communities see superintendents as real people—individuals who care deeply, make mistakes, and learn from them—it fosters compassion and understanding. “It’s much easier to discard something you don’t see as a someone,” she noted. By emphasizing the humanity of these leaders, we can build stronger connections and cultivate environments where collaboration thrives.

This approach is not just theoretical. In her tenure at Highline Public Schools, Dr. Enfield introduced the Highline Promise: to know every student by name, strength, and need so they graduate prepared for the future they choose. This simple yet profound commitment reshaped the district’s culture, embedding a deep sense of responsibility and care into every aspect of operations—from meal planning to student security.

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Building Stronger Networks

Dr. Enfield also discussed her involvement in creating a new network of seasoned superintendents. With support from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and other partners, this initiative aims to strengthen the profession by sharing wisdom, producing open-source case studies, and highlighting the diverse challenges faced by districts across the country. By including leaders from small, rural districts alongside those from large urban areas, the network ensures that all voices are heard and celebrated.

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The Stress of the Role—And Coping With It

Being a superintendent is no easy feat. A recent RAND study identified the role as one of the most stressful in America, citing political polarization and public scrutiny as major contributors. Dr. Enfield highlighted the importance of having a strong support network and distinguishing between the job and the work. While the job may involve navigating bureaucracy and public criticism, the work—serving children and their families—is deeply rewarding.

She also called for greater public understanding of the superintendent’s role. “Superintendents are thinking, feeling human beings,” she said, emphasizing the need for respectful and constructive dialogue. She urged communities to support their superintendents, whether by attending school board meetings, voicing encouragement, or simply saying thank you.

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The Power of Language and Storytelling

Effective communication is at the heart of leadership, and Dr. Enfield’s background as an English and journalism teacher shapes her belief in the power of words. She stressed the importance of using inclusive language that invites collaboration rather than alienation. For example, framing equity in terms that resonate universally, like the Highline Promise, can bring people together around shared goals.

Storytelling, she argued, is a superintendent’s secret weapon. By sharing stories of students, teachers, and community members, leaders can put a face to their district’s work, making it more relatable and impactful. Social media, while sometimes challenging, offers an invaluable platform for superintendents to amplify these stories and connect with their communities.

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How Communities Can Help

Dr. Enfield’s call to action for families and community members is clear: get involved. Attend school board meetings, engage in honest conversations, and offer your support to local leaders. “Schedule time to meet with your superintendent,” she advised. “Ask how you can help and say thank you. It makes a world of difference.”

She also emphasized the importance of electing qualified, service-oriented school board members. Stability in district leadership, both at the board and superintendent levels, is critical for driving meaningful, long-term change.

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A Vision for the Future

As Dr. Enfield looks ahead, she remains hopeful. Her upcoming books, one chronicling the experiences of superintendents during the pandemic and another delving into the impact of the Highline Promise, reflect her commitment to advancing the profession and fostering a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities within public education.

Her message is one of courage and collaboration. “Leadership is about service,” she said. “And now more than ever, our children need bold, courageous leaders who are willing to put service above self.”

The conversation on Build Momentum for Education reminds us that education’s success depends on all of us. By supporting our superintendents and embracing the humanity behind their roles, we can create a brighter future for every student.

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