Greening the Next Generation Of Principals

The nation's reservoir of experienced principals is about to become seriously depleted.

By Robert A. Klempen and Cynthia T. Richetti

School reform is on the run, and for good reason. The nation's reservoir of experienced principals is about to become seriously depleted, leaving reform to the rookies. Forty percent of our elementary, middle, and high school principals are about to retire, according U.S. Department of Labor statistics.

Passing the leadership baton to the next generation of principals is not necessarily bad. After all, fresh blood can bring fresh approaches and bold new solutions.

But here is the difficulty. In a growing number of districts, superintendents and school board members report that the number of qualified candidates who are motivated to become school administrators is dangerously low. Not a big surprise, considering the overwhelming demands placed on principals, the marginal respect given to them by the broader school community, and the skimpy resources and inadequate support available...