Urban Superintendent Academy celebrates 10 years

At the National Conference on Education in New Orleans on March 5-7, USC Rossier Dean Pedro Noguera and Irving R. and Virginia Archer Melbo Chair in Educational Administration Maria Ott, joined by leaders from the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), commemorated their decade-long partnership and celebrated the profound impact of the AASA-USC Urban Superintendent Academy on educator leadership development during a special jubilee dinner. The Urban Superintendent Academy has shaped the careers of countless educators and superintendents for over a decade. 

This unique leadership program, where participants are enrolled either at USC or Howard University, offers the opportunity for current and aspiring superintendents to learn how to lead today’s school systems. It provides invaluable experience for both sitting superintendents and those preparing to step into the role, and it couldn’t be more needed. 

According to a recent report published by the ILO Group’s Superintendent Research Project, which studies national public data to analyze and assess school leadership, superintendent turnover has increased substantially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report found that when comparing the two years during the pandemic to the two years prior, there was a 46% increase in the number of superintendent transitions and a 34% increase in the proportion of districts undoing a transition. This increase is substantially larger than any previously cited turnover, as the annual superintendent turnover rate has historically been reported between 14% and 16%. 

Researchers at the Superintendent Lab also found that more than 40% of districts experienced at least one change in superintendent between the 2019–2020 and 2023–2024 school years, with 8% of districts experiencing at least two changes. With this kind of national data, USC Rossier’s commitment to building a leadership pipeline to support smooth and effective transitions is even more important.

The jubilee celebration highlighted the program’s enduring legacy and its pivotal role in empowering leaders to address the challenges faced by today’s school systems. The evening was filled with reflection, inspiration and joy as attendees honored a decade of leadership and impact. Over 200 guests attended the event, where Dave Schuler, executive director of AASA, and Gustavo Balderas, president of AASA, welcomed the guests. Ott and Traci Davis, retired superintendent of Washoe Public Schools, provided a 10-year reflection of the program. Three leaders were presented with the following awards: Emerging Leader Award, Collective Impact Award and Exemplary Leadership Award.

In addition to the celebratory dinner, the Urban Superintendent Academy utilized two pre-conference days for in-person sessions for participants in Cohort 10. The sessions, led by Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs, deputy executive director/CEO of the National School Boards Association, alongside other colleagues, set the stage for effective leaders and their impact on collaborative governance in our nation’s schools. Over 65 participants from across the country attended the sessions. The discussion focused on current education policies, the role of the superintendents and school boards, along with leadership traits needed for successful and effective governance teams.

Before the dinner, the academy also took a moment to honor Cohort 9 with a graduation ceremony hosted by AASA. The event recognized approximately 70 graduates from both the Howard and USC cohorts and was filled with excitement and celebrations.

Ott emphasizes that the AASA-USC Urban Superintendents Academy prepares leaders ready to step into the role of superintendent for districts across the nation. “Superintendents address the needs of local school districts and influence the future of our nation’s youth,” Ott said. “Their vision for excellence works in partnership with the elected school board to realize the vision and mission established in their communities. Their leadership supports the success of all students and is foundational to the future of public education.”

A new cohort is set to begin in August 2025, ensuring the continued growth and development of future leaders in urban school districts. To learn more and apply to be a part of Cohort 11, please visit the Urban Superintendents Academy Application.