A review of ”The Hero Maker: How Superintendents Can Get Their School Boards to Do the Right Thing”

By Kevin Hime

“The Hero Maker: How Superintendents Can Get Their School Boards to Do the Right Thing” by Ryan Donlan and Todd Whitaker (Routlage, 2017) is a must-read for anyone in the field of education administration. Donlan and Whitaker provide invaluable insights and practical strategies for superintendents to enhance their working relationships with school board members.

As Whitaker aptly puts it, “Everybody wants to be a hero,” and this book beautifully explains how board members can achieve hero status by making smart and worthwhile decisions. Whitaker’s words ring true as he emphasizes that the path to heroism lies in doing the right thing rather than taking a rogue approach. By aligning their actions with the genuine purpose of education, board members can shine as heroes within their communities.

Whitaker’s statement

“Superintendent is one of the few positions that in order to be effective we actually have to guide our ‘bosses,’” describes the unique challenge faced by superintendents. The book masterfully tackles this challenge by offering strategies to work more effectively with board members during meetings and beyond. The authors guide superintendents on how to foster productive roles for board members, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to policymaking without overreaching. The book’s guidance on connecting and communicating with board members is invaluable. Whether dealing with different temperaments or diverse agendas, the book equips superintendents with the tools to establish constructive dialogue and cooperation. “The Hero Maker” isn’t just about theory; it's a practical guide. It empowers superintendents to leverage board members’ strengths, ushering in a collaborative approach that transforms the education landscape. ■

With almost four decades of public education experience, Lawton Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Hime currently serves on CCOSA’s executive committee as OASA President. He is a past OASA Superintendent of the Year and serves on several education boards.