Superintendent-Wise
Critical Lessons for Leading Your District
- Michael Hinojosa - Former Superintendent Dallas ISD
Explore transformative insights from a celebrated educational leader.
In Superintendent-Wise, Michael Hinojosa, the acclaimed former superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District, shares invaluable lessons for education leaders in establishing systems that prioritize students' health, well-being, and academic success. This engaging and essential guide introduces the Success Triangle—a framework leaders can use to develop essential relationships and effectively manage their time.
The book offers actionable strategies for school leaders to collaborate with school boards, recognize and foster excellence among staff, strengthen community relations, build relationships with the media, and implement proven turnaround strategies for struggling schools. Additional features include:
- “Big Idea” bullet lists capturing each chapter’s main takeaways
- “Reflect and Act” exercises that support the implementation of strategies
- Quick and practical “Pro Tips” drawn from the author’s extensive experience
Dr. Hinojosa’s decades of experience, pragmatic advice, and unique ability to cut through the noise offer crucial support for both new and current leaders, particularly in urban districts and high-needs communities.
Michael Hinojosa’s leadership of Dallas Independent School District (DISD) brought the board, the staff, and the community together around his vision for a high performing urban, low income, school district in Dallas. Then he led that district to accomplish what most thought was not possible – DISD was transformed to a high performing school system.
Hinojosa’s experiences, shared in Superintendent-Wise, provide a comprehensive field guide for school superintendents. Whether you are new to the superintendency or an experienced leader, this book is packed with valuable lessons and innovative approaches to tackle the daily challenges of leading school districts. A must-read for anyone committed to educational leadership and excellence.
My colleague and dear friend, Michael Hinojosa, is an incredibly gifted leader, having led more school districts in more states for more years than any of his contemporaries. For good reason, we call him the G.O.A.T. This book succinctly documents the secrets to his success and how his leadership evolved over the years. Aspiring superintendents as well as current district CEOs would do well to heed his model and advice.
In this book Hinojosa shows his unique ability to cut through the noise and get to the core principles that made him one of education's greatest leaders. His experience, insights, and perspective make this a must read.
Michael Hinojosa has gathered a lifetime's worth of insights into a single volume. This should be essential reading for both aspiring and seasoned school superintendents. He addresses all facets of public education leadership, enriching the text with a narrative that is captivating and thought-provoking. This work should be read and reread by anyone serious about making a positive difference in the lives of children.
As a fellow superintendent, I can attest to the incredible insights Michael Hinojosa offers in his book. His wealth of experience and practical advice make it an essential read for anyone dedicated to making a lasting impact in education. Hinojosa's strategies for navigating the complexities of the superintendency are both inspiring and actionable.