LOUISIANA WOMEN SUPERINTENDENTS

The Career Paths, Successes and Struggles

of K-12 Public School Women Superintendents

in the State of Louisiana

Dinah M. Robinson

University of New Orleans

Abstract

Inequalities in the representation of women in higher administrative public school positions are a product of historical and societal patterns (M. Byrd-Blake, 2000). These patterns have determined the constraints women have faced and continue to face when they attempt to obtain administrative positions in public school systems. C. Shakeshaft (1999) stated that women represent the majority of the teaching profession (72%) but they represent the minority of top level administrative positions in public education, 14%. According to S.A. Davies-Netzley (1998), women continue to be at the bottom of the corporate organizational charts, have fewer chances for advancements, and earn less income than men in similar positions. S. Eakle's (1995) study on women superintendents in the United States revealed that out of 1,074, only 157 were women. This lack of gender balance and related inequities raises the question of whether women are treated inequitably with regard to national statistics on administrative hiring. According to the Louisiana Stated Directory, only 20 of the stated 64 superintendents are women, which doubled the national percentages. Yet, women remain under-represented in the position of superintendent.

The purpose of this study was to employ critical ethnography as the methodology and feminine standpoint theory and Black feminist thought as a theoretical framework to explore the career paths of women superintendents, their successes, struggles, and barriers to k-12 public school superintendents in the stated of Louisiana. In addition, the under-representation of women superintendents in this state was investigated through interviews, observations, and document analyses. Special attention was given to common themes and patterns that emerged through survey, analysis of statements, situations observed and interpretations of data collected. The study's findings were intended to broaden the limited research base relating to the lived stories and experiences of women superintendents from the perspectives of women with the most practical knowledge of the position of k-12 public school superintendency and issues pertinent to obtaining the position, including gender and race.

Dedication

In loving memory of my mother Teresa J. King (1941 - 2001)

To my most precious mother who is no longer with me, thank you for teaching me to love the Lord, to know His awesomeness and that He will always be with me. I thank you for teaching me to pray and for praying for me. I thank you for supporting me, loving me and believing in my dreams. Mom, you were always present when I needed you. I love you deeply and truly miss you.

Acknowledgements

First and foremost, I want to thank God for His unconditional love that gave me the knowledge and strength to complete this dissertation. With my most awesome God, I can do anything and everything. Everything that I have accomplished, I owe the Lord, our God. Earning this degree was His will. How awesome art Thou!

To my daughter who was with me through the good and bad days, I appreciate your encouragement and assistance. During many ...