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Dissertation
A case study: the impact of successive superintendent turnover in a rural, Midwestern school district
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Apr 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011297
Abstract
Rural schools face disproportionately high rates of administrative turnover, creating instability in leadership, student achievement, and district systems. This study examined factors contributing to turnover among rural school administrators in Nebraska and explored supports that may reduce attrition. The three research questions focused on three topics: (a) what factors administrators identify as contributing to turnover, (b) how turnover is perceived to affect rural schools, and (c) what strategies or supports may help prevent it. An instrumental case study approach, grounded in pragmatic dialectical pluralism, was employed. Semistructured interviews with rural teachers provided insight into their experiences and perspectives. The conceptual framework draws on three streams of theory: the evolution of the superintendency, nuances of rural schools, and the perceived impact of superintendent turnover. Findings advance understanding of the causes and consequences of rural administrative turnover and highlight practical strategies that may foster leadership stability in Nebraska's rural schools.
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Details
- Title
- A case study
- Creators
- Jessica N. Edeal
- Contributors
- Harriette Rasmussen (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- x, 106 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022170255704721