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:
Dr. Hinojosas 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.
Dr. Michael Hinojosa served more than twenty-seven years as a superintendent/ CEO of six public education systems, including two of the twenty-five largest school systems in the United States, Dallas Independent School District in Texas and the Cobb County School District in suburban Atlanta, Georgia. His career in public education, from teacher and coach to superintendent, spans more than four decades. He retired from the Dallas ISD in June 2022 after a long career in public education. With a firm belief that education and not environment is the key to a students success, he has led several school districts to improved student achievement. Dr. Hinojosas recognitions include being named 2002 Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards and 2005 Superintendent of the Year by the University of Texas at Austin. He was honored as Distinguished Alumnus by the College of Education at Texas Tech University and as the Outstanding Latino Educator by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents in 2014. In 2019, D Magazine named Dr. Hinojosa the "Best Public Official" in Dallas. The Council of the Great City Schools awarded him the Green-Garner Award, the highest honor in urban education, as the 2020 Urban Educator of the Year. Dr. Hinojosa is a recipient of the CoSN (Consortium for School Networking) and AASA (American Association of School Administrators) 2021 EmpowerED Digital Superintendent Award. In 2022 he received the Champion of Science and Medicine from the Dallas County Medical Society. He is also a past president of the Texas Association of School Administrators. He currently serves as Superintendent in Residence for both the Council of the Great City Schools and the Texas Urban Council. Dr. Hinojosa, a proud graduate of Dallas ISD, holds a doctorate in education from the University of Texas at Austin. He has three sons, graduates of Texas Tech University, Harvard University, and Princeton University. All three attended Dallas ISD for a significant portion of their K-12 careers.
Introduction Chapter 1: The Importance of Board Relations Chapter 2: Carefully Navigate the Waters of Media and Politics Chapter 3: Nurture Excellence in Your Staff Chapter 4: Build Community Relations and Performance Management Chapter 5: Work Toward Academic Excellence Chapter 6: Create a Culture of Efficiency through a High-Level View of Operations Chapter 7: Cultivate all Endeavors on a Foundation of Ethics and Equity Conclusion
Michael Hinojosas 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. -- Jack Lowe Jr
Hinojosas 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. -- Joe Gothard
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. -- Barbara M Jenkins
In this book Hinojosa shows his unique ability to cut through the noise and get to the core principles that made him one of educations greatest leaders. His experience, insights, and perspective make this a must read. -- Bill Macatee
Michael Hinojosa has gathered a lifetimes 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. -- Michael Casserly
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. Hinojosas strategies for navigating the complexities of the superintendency are both inspiring and actionable. -- Alberto M. Carvalho
