Following are the general criteria that should be used as a guide in selecting the superintendent of the year.

1.  The individual should have been an on-line superintendent or AEA chief administrator for at least five years (includes experience as an associate/assistant superintendent).         

2.  The individual should be currently serving as a superintendent or AEA chief administrator in a school district or AEA where a commitment to excellence is clearly evident. This includes serving in the same position the award year for which s/he is recognized, i.e. to be nominated as a 2008 Superintendent of the Year, by June 30, 2007, the individual must be a superintendent or AEA chief administrator for the 2007-08 school year.

3.  There should be evidence of outstanding contributions to the well being of the educational community including:
-ways in which curriculum, staff morale, community support, student interest, and the learning environment have benefited from this individual’s leadership.
-ways in which the individual provides creative leadership in inspiring and motivating others to achieve and contribute to the educational environment.

4.  The individual should show a strong commitment to the profession by active participation in professional activities. (Membership in SAI and AASA is a prerequisite for this award.)

5.  There should be evidence that the individual is respected by his/her colleagues and the community at large.

NOTE: No current SAI officer or AASA board member is eligible for this award.