Incoming Superintendent Resources

Welcome incoming superintendents! Ease your transition into your new role by fully utilizing WASA—your professional association—and capitalizing on the network of colleagues within the organization. WASA's purpose is to to provide leadership for student learning and to assist in the development of competent, ethical, and visionary leaders. This resource page will be updated as new resources become available. Please send suggestions for tools and resources that you would like to share with your colleagues.

Save the Date

2021 WASA Superintendent Conference
May 2–4 | Campbell's Resort, Chelan

 Registration opens in February.

WASA Mentor Program

WASA is committed to providing support for superintendents in transition. Whether a veteran moving to a new district or someone new to superintendency, today's leaders know they have just one opportunity to make the most of those "first 90 days." WASA recognizes how critically important it is to make a smooth and effective transition. Among the resources provided to transitioning superintendents is a "mentor" relationship with a colleague in the region. WASA mentors provide a friendly and supportive contact to assist transitioning superintendents with:

  • Introductions within the region to jump start professional networking.
  • Helpful guidance in developing and implementing transition plans.
  • A source of information regarding services and resources available within the region.
  • Confidential problem solving.
  • A colleague committed to success.

If you are a transitioning superintendent and want to further explore the WASA Mentor Program, please contact Andy Wolf at 360.489.3646 or awolf@wasa-oly.org.

Entry Planning

Sample Ninety-Day and Entry Plans
 Dr. Ivan Duran, Bellevue SD Entry Plan
Dr. Greg Baker, Bellingham PS Entry Plan
Dr. Tammy Campbell, Federal Way PS Entry Plan
Dana Rosenbach, North Mason SD Entry Plan
Krestin Bahr, Eatonville SD Transition Plan, 90 Day Transition Plan
Wade Smith, Walla Walla PS Entry Plan
Anthony Smith, Riverview SD Entry Plan, Riverview SD Community Entry Plan


Road Map for Creating Your Entry Plan pdf

Strategic Plans

The Bellingham Promise (Strategic Plan) pdf

Strategic Plan, Enumclaw SD pdf

One Page Strategic Plan, Rochester SD pdf

Selah SD's Viking Promise webpage

School Boards

Sample Letter to School Board Candidate pdf

Sample Email Welcome to Newly Elected School Board Candidate pdf

Sample New Board Member Orientation pdf

Executive and Closed Session Form, Rochester SD pdf

Superintendent Evaluations

Evaluation Report, Rochester SD pdf

Contract Extension and Mid-Year Feedback, Rochester SD pdf

Mid-Year Evaluation Process, Rochester SD pdf

Additional Resources

Superintendent Handbook

Best Practices, School Boards, and Bargaining pdf

New Superintendent Orientation, Capital Region ESD 113 pdf

Superintendent Calendar of Activities pdf

Superintendent Second/Third Year Checklist pdf

Dr. Anthony Smith, Superintendent, Riverview SD
Part I pdf
Part II pdf
(File is in two parts due to size)

View samples from a fellow superintendent's planning/entry organizer. Samples include:

  • Board Meeting Planning
  • Superintendent Evaluation
  • Strategic Planning
  • Building a High Performance Team

Krestin Bahr, Superintendent, Eatonville SD
As the superintendent of a small school district, Krestin writes the communication plan, newspaper articles, and board reports. View samples below. 

Suggested Reading

The Superintendent & the CFO: Building and Effective Team
Brian L. Benzel and Kenneth E. Hoover

What Every Rookie Superintendent Should Know: Surviving Year One
Robert Reeves

So Now You're the Superintendent!
John F. Eller and Howard C. Carlson

The Superintendent's Planner: A Monthly Guide and Reflective Journal
Gloria L. Johnston, Rene S. Townsend, Gwen E. Gross, Peggy Lynch, Lorraine M. Garcy, Benita B. Roberts, Patricia B. Novotney

The Superintendent's Rulebook
Patrick Darfler-Sweeney

The Entry Plan Approach: How to Start a Leadership Position Successfully  link
Barry Jentz with Joan Wofford
This workbook is focused on the work of schools and districts and provides a step-by-step process to entry planning with sample entry plans embedded.

The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter
Michael D. Watkins 

The Way of the Shepherd
Dr. Kevin Leman and Bill Pentak

The Power of Positive Leadership
Jon Gordon