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Abstract:
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This study considered how being Latina , and all the variables inherent in gender and ethnicity intersect when a Latina is a public school district superintendent in Texas ; specifically , how a Latina superintendent effectuates meaningful and productive superintendent -board relations . The study employed a phenomenological approach , and utilized semi -structured interviews , collection of artifacts , researcher observations , and a board of education member survey . Through the interpretivist paradigm , elements of gender role theory permeated the study . The notion of the glass ceiling as a barrier that women seeking executive level positions , such as the superintendency , emerged from the discourse of the study . Findings suggest that where professional skills , knowledge , and abilities are concerned there is no gender difference ; however , the ability for women to be equally considered for executive level positions , such as the superintendency , suggests that disparity in practice continues to exist . Women are challenged to be equally considered for the superintendency . While women carry a presumably different challenge to balance work and family , the findings suggest that those who have attained the superintendency were able to thrive amidst this challenge . The study also suggests that the three Latina superintendent study participants’ practices in developing and maintaining effective superintendent -board relations sustained prior research in this regard . Where superintendents are strategic and purposeful in their efforts to develop and maintain effective superintendent -board relations , they thrive . In contrast , where superintendents are not strategic and purposeful in their efforts to develop and maintain effective superintendent -board relations , the superintendent’s tenure is abbreviated . |