Persistent tensions between rabbis and education directors have created a leadership crisis in Conservative congregational schools, driving high rates of educator turnover and compromising educational quality. A comprehensive survey of 166 education directors and 84 rabbis from Conservative congregations revealed fundamental disagreements over authority and decision-making power. While 62% of rabbis believe they hold primary authority over educational philosophy, 58% of education directors view the Education Committee as the final arbiter. These conflicting perceptions have serious consequences: 45% of educators report leaving positions due to rabbi conflicts, while no rabbis have departed over educator disputes. The research, which achieved response rates of 27.7% and 25% respectively, examined authority structures, decision-making processes, and professional roles within congregational schools. Despite education directors shouldering primary responsibility for curriculum development, budget preparation, and daily administration, their professional status remains subordinate to rabbis within synagogue hierarchies. This systemic dysfunction stems from unclear authority guidelines and demands structural reform. Recommended solutions include establishing explicit authority structures, elevating educator professional status, creating joint commissions to address these issues, and redefining roles to grant education directors complete administrative authority while positioning rabbis as religious consultants and "first among equals" in professional staff hierarchies.