ABSTRACT
The job of the building principal is one of the most complex, demanding, yet rewarding positions in American society. The principal today faces declining resources, changing demographics, an increasingly knowledgeable public that demands a greater voice in the operation of the school, calls for reform, and legislative bodies that enact unprecedented legislation impacting on schools. The principal must function in an environment with higher levels of expectations and accountability than ever before and at the same time participate in decision making that includes a greater array of stakeholders than previously experienced by school leaders in our society. Accountability for managing the resources of the school rests with the principal and the expectation is high that the decisions related to the allocation of those resources will be shared with the stakeholders of the school.
