Considering the Community: How One Rural Superintendent Perceives Community Values and Their Effect on Decision-Making

Abstract

In rural Oklahoma, the role of the superintendent is often vastly different than that of superintendents in large cities. The superintendent is the leader of the school district, which is typically the community’s largest employer. There are a few examples of superintendents who embrace this sometimes overwhelming responsibility and who are often seen as pillars of ethics, leadership and morality in the community. Dale Carter is one example of this type of superintendent. Mr. Carter has been employed by Kenawee Public Schools since 1969. During his tenure he has been a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. This case study will examine how Carter has considered community values when making decisions and how the integration of those values along with his personal and professional values have allowed him to lead a rural school district.