The number of women superintendents of public school systems in Washington State exceeds that of the national average. Of the 285 school districts in Washington State, that have superintendents, 68, or 24%, are run by women superintendents, while the national average is 21.7%. Women lead one third of the districts in the Puget Sound and women run both of two largest districts in the state. Washington State is coming to be recognized as leading the way in gender equality in the superintendency.

This mixed method study gathered quantitative data through a mail based survey and qualitative data through follow up telephone interviews to show how current superintendents utilized mentorship, sponsorship, and networking when they were aspirants to the superintendency. Further, the study explored how these sitting superintendents continue to access mentors, sponsors, and networks in their superintendencies.

So what is Washington State doing right? This study found that superintendents in Washington State are strongly prepared through superintendent credentialing and doctoral coursework and by utilizing mentors, sponsors, and networks as aspirants to the superintendency. Specifically, the study found that women aspirants utilize three main networks for professional growth and advancement: (a) the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), (b) unaffiliated groups of professional colleagues, and (c) university doctoral or superintendent credentialing cohorts.

The study also identified the three main sources of sponsorship for women aspirants to the superintendency: (a) their own district superintendent, (b) a board member in their own district, and (c) a professional colleague. The study further found that women aspirants utilized three main groups of professionals for mentors: (a) their own district superintendent, (b) district superintendents other than their own, and (c) university professors or faculty.