On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired

Education leaders need this book. Accepting that our everyday, often mundane decisions reveal who we are, it’s how we deal with panic, impasse, and trouble that cements our mettle. Enfield and Wilson get this. Looking back to the widespread confusion and hazards unleashed by the pandemic—and how we answered that crisis—they look ahead boldly, imparting lasting and helpful lessons for today’s leaders sorting out what matters in this new era of never-ending emergencies.

This powerful account of the experience of superintendents during the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 is real, raw, and clear-eyed. Having boldly led school systems through that crucible themselves, Enfield and Wilson explore this punishingly difficult period for leaders with nuance, understanding, and candor. The perspectives and lessons from the leaders who navigated the crisis are brought to life in new detail thanks to the expert lens of these authors. On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired: Superintendents in the Pandemic belongs at the top of the list for all leaders in education—and for leaders in sectors well beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic was an extraordinary time to be a school system leader—academically, organizationally, financially, and politically. Former superintendents Dr. Susan Enfield and Dr. Kristi Wilson have captured the pathos of pandemic leadership in On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired: Superintendents in the Pandemic. They describe how superintendents stepped up to support their students, staff, and families and in doing so helped their communities remain strong and persevere during this incredibly difficult time in history—and conclude with a hopeful and candid assessment of the importance of leadership in our public education system. Theirs is the most comprehensive and personal coverage of the pandemic leadership to date.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unparalleled challenges for the country and our public school superintendents and this timely book explores how superintendents across the nation rose to meet those challenges. Enfield and Wilson provide an in-depth examination and critical insight into the unique experiences and contributions of the school district leaders who led their communities through a global pandemic, ensuring students and staff were healthy, received meals when families struggled, and hosted and promoted vaccination clinics - all while building innovative online educational opportunities for students. The stories captured here are ones that everyone who cares about public education needs to hear and learn from.

The pandemic was a complex and ambiguous situation for everyone. For those responsible for our children’s education, school system leaders, it was most precarious. Every decision second-guessed and every change in what we knew about this fast-moving virus, changed the calculus of what to do next. Praise for the authors who have recorded this history—chances are we will need these lessons again.

Susan Enfield and Kristi Wilson both served as superintendents for over a decade and were each named Superintendent of the Year for their respective states.