Why Principal Retention Matters Now More Than Ever

Being a principal today is both a privilege and a challenge. On one hand, we have the opportunity to shape a school’s culture, inspire teachers, and support students in meaningful ways. On the other hand, the pressures can feel endless—long hours, high-stakes accountability, staffing shortages, and the constant juggling of responsibilities that often extend far beyond the job description.

When principals burn out or leave, the ripple effect is enormous. Teachers lose stability. Students lose a leader who may have been advocating for them. Families see turnover and begin to question the school’s direction. Research shows that leadership is second only to teaching when it comes to influencing student outcomes. If that’s true, then principal retention isn’t just an HR problem—it’s a student achievement issue.

As someone who has lived this role, I know how quickly the weight of expectations can pile up. Retaining principals requires more than telling us to “take care of ourselves.” It means building systems of support, protecting time for rest and family, and recognizing that school leaders are human beings with limits. If we want to strengthen schools, we need to start by taking care of the leaders who hold them together.