Superintendents aren't "blobs."

That's the term often used to describe high-ranking educators who consume resources but add little to the everyday instruction of schoolchildren. However, a study by J. Timothy Waters dispels the notion.

Dr. Waters, a co-author of the report and the CEO of Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning, said school systems in search of superintendents should heed the findings of the study.

Columbia County has received applications to replace the retiring Tommy Price, and Richmond County is beginning its search to replace Charles Larke, who is also retiring.

"I think the greatest contribution of this study is that it takes away the mystery about leadership," Dr. Waters said.

The study ties superintendents to academic achievement and identifies the qualities of superintendents that are most likely to produce achievement.

Dr. Waters advised school boards to use the same criteria when looking for a superintendent. An effective superintendent should use collaborative goal-setting that includes school board members and administrators, autonomy for principals and systemwide instructional programs that are monitored and get appropriate resources. The impact of superintendents meeting these criteria trickles down to the classroom.

But parents don't need national studies to recognize the importance of superintendent searches, and they have their own thoughts and ideas about the next superintendents in Richmond and Columbia counties.

"That person is key and should lead by example," said Greg Collier, the president of Parents United, a group of Richmond County parents.

Mr. Collier grew frustrated to the point that he removed his children from the public school system, but he said they would return in a "heartbeat" with the right person at the helm.

Someone with "new blood" needs to come in and "restructure" the school system in a way that procedure no longer takes precedence over people, he said.

The next leader should also be "customer-friendly," Mr. Collier said.

Lee Clark, a Martinez banker whose daughter recently graduated from Lakeside High School, says the superintendent's influence on daily instruction is profound.

"I think (the superintendent) sets the tone for the school system," he said. "Whether that tone be from a financial standpoint or a personality standpoint, it filters all the way down to the classroom."

Mr. Clark compared a superintendent to the CEO of a large company, saying his influence can be felt in all aspects of the organization.

"If your manager is effective, then your company is effective," he said. "In this case, the company is the school system."

The person's character should be considered as well.

"The new superintendent should be honest and caring, a person that can relate to the teachers, students and parents," said Patricia Asmundson, whose two daughters attend the Academy of Richmond County. "A person that is aggressive in pursuing the best for our students and teachers, not afraid of change or trying new things. But not impulsive, one who investigates and researches programs before implementing them."

There will be four chances for people to publicly express their thoughts on Richmond County's superintendent search. The series of public forums begins Tuesday.

Lisa Winebrenner, the president of Butler High's PTSA, said it's important for parents to be involved.

"We don't want to be left out because we all have opinions," she said.

Whoever is selected as superintendent should be given time to succeed, Dr. Waters said. His study found a positive correlation between superintendents who are in their position at least two years and student achievement.

"The average length of superintendent service speaks for itself," he said, adding that it is usually three years. "I think it is a pathology of American education that those relationships don't last long enough to have an impact."

Reach Greg Gelpi at (706) 828-3851 or greg.gelpi@augustachronicle.com.

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 113 or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com.